The Bulls should go all in for Zion

[WindyCityBorn]

I don’t buy that.

You don’t think Giddey, Coby and Matas provide more help than Lillard’s last leg and Kuzma?

Why is Giannis limited to only Chicago? He'll have a list like every superstar and a trade to NYK for OG & Mitch Robinson will have him on a 3rd seed. There are teams in this league that are better than Chicago, we couldn't even win a play-in game. Not to mention Thibs as a coach is 10x better than Donovan.

This is fine, so far as it goes, but we have no idea whether Milwaukee will trade him to his preferred destination vs. just take the best they can get for the franchise, if they do decide to deal.

Mostly I think people are projecting he might like a deal to Chicago (if it matters what he wants) based on his past comments. If his preference is simply "get me to the best team possible," I agree that's not likely to be Chicago. But I do think a Chicago trade that was simply expirings + tons of future draft assets results in a roster that is better (and has more of a future) than what Milwaukee currently has. But I also doubt Milwaukee does a deal on those terms.

Milwaukee would want Giddey and Matas. Plus picks.

[MisterRoy]

2K did White/Vuc for Zion. Start there.

[sco]

2K did White/Vuc for Zion. Start there.

Maybe 2K is the GM of Sacto

[nitetrain8603]

Reading this thread is so frustrating. A star is available because they are imperfect in their current scenario such as disgruntled. So what do Bulls fans want - more mediocrity. Where is Kuminga taking you? Jabari Smith isn't available for anything short of a star. And he's not a needle mover either. Zion, when interested, is most definitely a needle mover which is what the Bulls desperately need.

MPJ? Yeah, as someone who wanted him since college (check the boards), he does nothing for you other than play the Ron Mercer role. Let's stop wasting money and what little resources the Bulls have and actually get someone who is a worthy superstar. And stop desiring mediocre players over these stars. Whether that's Zion, KD, Melo, etc.

"I don't think Zion is Chicago tuff frent" - God, I'm so sick of this mentality that Chicago fans have.

My mentality is that he's hurt constantly, this has nothing to do with Chicago tough. The "imperfection" is he doesn’t play.

The Bulls are not one move away. It's not like they get Zion and they are a top 4 team in the East. Let's build a team, piece by piece. Stop trying to cheat the process.

Zion is not a Superstar. He's played zero playoff games in six years. Either his teams haven't been good enough or he hasn't been healthy. There are better risks.

If you don't believe in Zion, that's fine. I'm sick of hearing in general "Well this player is a bad teammate. This player wants money, this player couldn't get along with X, this player is too hurt"

I'm sorry, when did the Chicago Bulls get the luxury of being so choosy?

Building the right way? This team is incapable of finding talent via the draft. I don't want to pay more mediocre players who maybe can have a role on a championship team.

Zion helps his teams win games when he plays. I think he will play once on a different team. If you don't like him as an answer, I'll buy that. I'm not buying that MPJ, or Jonathan Kuminga are better options. Because they are not, plain and simple.

[CROBulls]

Always interesting some dont want Zion because he misses games. But in same time they dont have any issues with Lonzo Ball still being on a team and signing extension. Funny how things work out.

[jnrjr79]

Why is Giannis limited to only Chicago? He'll have a list like every superstar and a trade to NYK for OG & Mitch Robinson will have him on a 3rd seed. There are teams in this league that are better than Chicago, we couldn't even win a play-in game. Not to mention Thibs as a coach is 10x better than Donovan.

This is fine, so far as it goes, but we have no idea whether Milwaukee will trade him to his preferred destination vs. just take the best they can get for the franchise, if they do decide to deal.

Mostly I think people are projecting he might like a deal to Chicago (if it matters what he wants) based on his past comments. If his preference is simply "get me to the best team possible," I agree that's not likely to be Chicago. But I do think a Chicago trade that was simply expirings + tons of future draft assets results in a roster that is better (and has more of a future) than what Milwaukee currently has. But I also doubt Milwaukee does a deal on those terms.

Milwaukee would want Giddey and Matas. Plus picks.

Well, of course they would want that. I want a pony, but I'm not going to get one.

I also can't quite discern whether this is actually possible. Under the old CBA, you couldn't aggregate other salaries with a sign-and-traded player if the sign-and-traded player was signed with something other than cap space (e.g. Bird rights). Not sure if that's still the case in the new CBA. Any capologists know?

But I'm with you on the broader point here - in order to compete with other offers, the Bulls might have to give up so much that there wouldn't be enough left around Giannis for it to be worth it.

[sco]

Always interesting some dont want Zion because he misses games. But in same time they dont have any issues with Lonzo Ball still being on a team and signing extension. Funny how things work out.

I think many here were against the trade from the start for similar issues. They ended up being right, but after so many many years of him being gone, it just became an accepted thing.

I just say on both guys. If they can stay healthy, they make a big difference in the team's winning.

Many here would prefer a 30% chance at being much better than an 80% chance of being the same.

[Am2626]

Why is Giannis limited to only Chicago? He'll have a list like every superstar and a trade to NYK for OG & Mitch Robinson will have him on a 3rd seed. There are teams in this league that are better than Chicago, we couldn't even win a play-in game. Not to mention Thibs as a coach is 10x better than Donovan.

This is fine, so far as it goes, but we have no idea whether Milwaukee will trade him to his preferred destination vs. just take the best they can get for the franchise, if they do decide to deal.

Mostly I think people are projecting he might like a deal to Chicago (if it matters what he wants) based on his past comments. If his preference is simply "get me to the best team possible," I agree that's not likely to be Chicago. But I do think a Chicago trade that was simply expirings + tons of future draft assets results in a roster that is better (and has more of a future) than what Milwaukee currently has. But I also doubt Milwaukee does a deal on those terms.

Milwaukee would want Giddey and Matas. Plus picks.

Would gladly accept that for Giannis but Giannis has publicly stated that he has no interest in leaving Milwaukee. He is a rare Superstar that is incredibly loyal.

[drosestruts]

Always interesting some dont want Zion because he misses games. But in same time they dont have any issues with Lonzo Ball still being on a team and signing extension. Funny how things work out.

Lonzo's already here and extended for a 2-year $20m contract with the second year being a team option. Bulls gave up nothing to keep Ball.

Zion currently plays for another team. It will cost the Bulls assets to acquire him. He'll make $40m/year. His contract does offer flexibility to get out of it if needed.


I'm on board the explore trading for Zion boat.

But I found the Ball vs Zion comparison an odd one.

[jnrjr79]

This is fine, so far as it goes, but we have no idea whether Milwaukee will trade him to his preferred destination vs. just take the best they can get for the franchise, if they do decide to deal.

Mostly I think people are projecting he might like a deal to Chicago (if it matters what he wants) based on his past comments. If his preference is simply "get me to the best team possible," I agree that's not likely to be Chicago. But I do think a Chicago trade that was simply expirings + tons of future draft assets results in a roster that is better (and has more of a future) than what Milwaukee currently has. But I also doubt Milwaukee does a deal on those terms.

Milwaukee would want Giddey and Matas. Plus picks.

Would gladly accept that for Giannis but Giannis has publicly stated that he has no interest in leaving Milwaukee. He is a rare Superstar that is incredibly loyal.

FWIW, literally the day after Giannis said the Bucks wold have to "kick me out," Shams refuted that with a report that said Giannis has made it known that he will ask out if he does not feel like he can win in Milwaukee.

[MrSparkle]

The worst thing about the Luka trade is it sets up an easy Lakers recruitment angle in 2027. They’ll have Luka and Austin on player options, otherwise like $20M in guaranteed salary. So if they ask those two to get creative with their contracts (or just thank Reaves for his services and move on), the world is Hollywood’s oyster. They can make a pitch to Shai, Jokic, Giannis, Davis (boy would that hurt), Mitchell and a whole lot more. It really is potentially one of the best FA classes ever.

Hard not to assume Luka Lakers get the best FA prize(s).

[Dan Z]

The worst thing about the Luka trade is it sets up an easy Lakers recruitment angle in 2027. They’ll have Luka and Austin on player options, otherwise like $20M in guaranteed salary. So if they ask those two to get creative with their contracts (or just thank Reaves for his services and move on), the world is Hollywood’s oyster. They can make a pitch to Shai, Jokic, Giannis, Davis (boy would that hurt), Mitchell and a whole lot more. It really is potentially one of the best FA classes ever.

Hard not to assume Luka Lakers get the best FA prize(s).

I also wouldn't be surprised if Shai stays (OKC are a top team), Jokic stays (doesn't seem like someone who will ask out), Giannis gets traded, Mitchell stays (because Cleveland is a better team for him) and Davis...well...is older Davis what LA needs?

[PJSteven22]

G Giddey, Jones, Ball
G Huerter, Dosunmo
F Buzelis, Phillips, Terry
F Williamson, Smith
C Vucevic, Collins

When healthy all year… legit #6 and up to 2nd round.

Nah not enough shooting or defense.

Thats the best we could possibly do…

Coby is a better fit next to Zion. I’ve watched Zion quite a bit and he’s pretty ball dominant. I also would look for a defensive center.

[_txchilibowl_]

They really shouldn't...

[WindyCityBorn]

This is fine, so far as it goes, but we have no idea whether Milwaukee will trade him to his preferred destination vs. just take the best they can get for the franchise, if they do decide to deal.

Mostly I think people are projecting he might like a deal to Chicago (if it matters what he wants) based on his past comments. If his preference is simply "get me to the best team possible," I agree that's not likely to be Chicago. But I do think a Chicago trade that was simply expirings + tons of future draft assets results in a roster that is better (and has more of a future) than what Milwaukee currently has. But I also doubt Milwaukee does a deal on those terms.

Milwaukee would want Giddey and Matas. Plus picks.

Would gladly accept that for Giannis but Giannis has publicly stated that he has no interest in leaving Milwaukee. He is a rare Superstar that is incredibly loyal.

Starting over with Giannis and Coby would be completely pointless. And we wouldn’t have any assets to trade for another star. That would a worse team than Milwaukee is right now. He would not want to be here for that.

[Bulliever2020]

This is the problem with our moron GM aiming for pointless playin appearances. Our asset base hasn't been built up enough to where we are realistic players for any of the major names on the market without completely starting over. And at that point why would any superstar want to come to Chicago.

[dougthonus]

If you don't believe in Zion, that's fine. I'm sick of hearing in general "Well this player is a bad teammate. This player wants money, this player couldn't get along with X, this player is too hurt"

The first three of these things are intangible statements that have people speculating on the internal thought processes of a player or players. The last one is an objective reality and objective risk. Zion's the most injured starting caliber in the league that I'm aware of. You should feel very different about subjective things people talk themselves into without real evidence and objective things which can't be denied when looking at risks.

Not to say that it couldn't work out for Zion, but these are very different categories.

I'm sorry, when did the Chicago Bulls get the luxury of being so choosy?

Wanting a player that actually plays basketball games doesn't strike me as "so choosy"

Building the right way? This team is incapable of finding talent via the draft. I don't want to pay more mediocre players who maybe can have a role on a championship team.

Zion helps his teams win games when he plays. I think he will play once on a different team. If you don't like him as an answer, I'll buy that. I'm not buying that MPJ, or Jonathan Kuminga are better options. Because they are not, plain and simple.

Yeah, I haven't seen anyone recommend trading for MPJ or Jonathan Kuminga, but I agree.

[Ccwatercraft]

Always interesting some dont want Zion because he misses games. But in same time they dont have any issues with Lonzo Ball still being on a team and signing extension. Funny how things work out.

Zion on a 10mil 1+1 deal is a no Brainer.

So is lonzo

[bullskokie]

I still believe this lineup is our best chance for 2025. Trade Pat Williams, Coby White, Jevon Carter, 2025 FRP, POR FRP for Zion Williamson and then resign Jones as our backup PG. This team I believe is a legit #6 and can matchup well with NY, DET & MIL for potential 2nd round deep.

G Giddey, Jones
G Huerter, Dosunmo
F Buzelis, Ball, Terry
F Williamson, Smith, Phillips
C Vucevic, Collins

[kodo]

New Pelicans Exec Joe Dumars Dismisses Idea of 'Mandate' to Trade Zion Williamson
New Orleans' new executive vice president of basketball operations said there's no mandate to trade the franchise's much-maligned star player.

https://www.si.com/nba/new-pelicans-exec-joe-dumars-trade-zion-williamson-comments?utm_source=reddit.com

"I read that last week...that I had a mandate," Dumars said with a chuckle. "If I have, no one has called me and told me that," he added.

"No really, absolutely zero. Me and Mrs. Benson talked and she really just said, 'Joe I would like to know what it's like to win an NBA title.' That was it. That was as close to an edict as you will get."