NBA Trade Thread #12

[MrSparkle]

I don't see Sabonis/Bulls happening. It would just be way too stupid. To repeat the rigamarole of paying assets for an almost-30yo C, undersized/unathletic big with poor rim protection... with poor 3P range to boot... it would be quite the bold 3rd movement for Arturas. To like, cement a 41-41 ceiling team? Paxson would break into the Advocate Center to veto the trade and choke AK.

[Muzbar]

I don't see Sabonis/Bulls happening. It would just be way too stupid. To repeat the rigamarole of paying assets for an almost-30yo C, undersized/unathletic big with poor rim protection... with poor 3P range to boot... it would be quite the bold 3rd movement for Arturas. To like, cement a 41-41 ceiling team? Paxson would break into the Advocate Center to veto the trade and choke AK.

So you're saying there's a high chance of it happening?

[MrSparkle]

I don't see Sabonis/Bulls happening. It would just be way too stupid. To repeat the rigamarole of paying assets for an almost-30yo C, undersized/unathletic big with poor rim protection... with poor 3P range to boot... it would be quite the bold 3rd movement for Arturas. To like, cement a 41-41 ceiling team? Paxson would break into the Advocate Center to veto the trade and choke AK.

So you're saying there's a high chance of it happening?

My sources say YeS.

[sco]

I don't see Sabonis/Bulls happening. It would just be way too stupid. To repeat the rigamarole of paying assets for an almost-30yo C, undersized/unathletic big with poor rim protection... with poor 3P range to boot... it would be quite the bold 3rd movement for Arturas. To like, cement a 41-41 ceiling team? Paxson would break into the Advocate Center to veto the trade and choke AK.

What about this version of making the mistake with SAC?

Vuc/Ball/Williams/Por 1st for Sabonis/Murray

I'm sure it's not attractive to SAC because I attach negative value to Sabonis, but I'd feel less bad if we nabbed Murray.

[MrSparkle]

The Vegas odds had Bulls #2 for MPJ. That's one I actually see happening after draft night, rather haphazardly. It would basically be the Patrick dump.

PWilly, Lonzo, Jevon for MPJ, 2026 FRP (I believe they can move it after this draft ends, as their 25 is heading to ORL), Saric

Or maybe Nuggets want Ayo instead of Lonzo, for a more healthy guarantee. AK would prob settle on Ayo & Lonzo instead of Jevon, although that seems too generous after the post-season MPJ had. Of course the same could be said for PW; atleast MPJ had a solid reg. season. So maybe you settle on no FRP, and just 1 of Lonzo or Ayo. They'd want to dump Zeke on us, but that seems like $9M of deadweight.

[Infinity2152]

So I'm the only one who thinks Sabonis could be great at PF with an athletic defensive center? He's shot 37%, 38%, and 41% from 3 the last three years, seems like great three point range to me. Especially if that center is not a strong rebounder. There are a few good defensive centers that are poor rebounders, like Jaren Jackson and Brook Lopez. Our team last year probably could have won 41 games. Don't see how the team wouldn't be way better with say Sabonis/Smith, Maluach, Ware, Reid, Turner, Gafford, etc at PF/Center vs Williams/Vucevic.

The Bulls need at least two players to contend. All these projections of where we'll be with one trade are not really fair. Does anybody here think we're one player away? Even if it was Giannis, after all we'd have to give up?

[burlydee]

Coby trade -

Black, #16 pick and Jett Howard (salary filler) for Coby White

For Orlando, they get a dynamic scoring guard who can play on or off ball. A good complement to Suggs and a guy who can boost their offense. A good fit for Coby as he becomes the 3rd offensive player but without having the priority of carrying a team.

The Bulls get a defensive guard with upside to possibly pair with Giddey and a mid-lottery pick. You now have Giddey-Matas-Black-#12-#16 as young assets to keep building. Black can be your lead guard defender moving forward. It also avoids the hard decision around Coby's contract. And w/o Coby I suspect the Bulls are guaranteed a top 8 pick next year.

[burlydee]

The Vegas odds had Bulls #2 for MPJ. That's one I actually see happening after draft night, rather haphazardly. It would basically be the Patrick dump.

PWilly, Lonzo, Jevon for MPJ, 2026 FRP (I believe they can move it after this draft ends, as their 25 is heading to ORL), Saric

Or maybe Nuggets want Ayo instead of Lonzo, for a more healthy guarantee. AK would prob settle on Ayo & Lonzo instead of Jevon, although that seems too generous after the post-season MPJ had. Of course the same could be said for PW; atleast MPJ had a solid reg. season. So maybe you settle on no FRP, and just 1 of Lonzo or Ayo. They'd want to dump Zeke on us, but that seems like $9M of deadweight.

I think it would be the Bulls having to throw in picks. Maybe something like the Portland pick, Williams, Ayo for MPJ. Its probably Ayo or Ball, depending on who they want. Still probably isn't enough for MPJ to them.

[burlydee]

Another Orlando-Chi trade i like

Chicago trades: Coby and Vuc
Orlando trades: Anthony, Isaac, Black and the #16 pick

Orlando gives up backups for a guy who can be their long term 2 guard and Vuc who can either start or lead their 2nd unit. Theyalso getoff of Isaac who isn't a great fit bc of his lack of shooting. Also makes it easier to pay max contracts to their top guys.

Bulls get a needed defensive big and guard to help balance the roster. They also get the #16 pick and a chance to get a high level roll player in a deep draft.

[Infinity2152]

State of the Union address: It's time to pick a lane. Our main two pieces right now are Giddey and Matas. A great 3 starters with depth should be a great team. Our best trade pieces are Coby, Vuc, Collins, Huerter.

We can either trade up: Combine players, picks to add the best third player we can
Or trade down: Trade Coby and Vucevic and get picks and role players.

Trading Coby and Vucevic immediately takes us out of any potential superstar trade, imo. We have to think about that when we're talking about trading them for guys like Kuminga or Anthony Black or even Naz Reid. I've been talking up ome of these mid trades, but thinking I want Desmond Bane/Markannen level at least before I move Coby. I'd hold him till the deadline if I had to, opportunities could come up.

We need high end talent. I see people rejecting even the idea of Sabonis. He'd be considered a far more valuable player than almost any of the trade ideas I've seen. Just play him at PF, great rebounder, solid shooter, active player. He's 29, great. Vuc will be gone, if a 29 yr old vet is the oldest guy on the team, glad to have him. He's an elite NBA talent. He'll make $43 mill next yr. $46.7 mill in 2026. Think I just heard SGA will be eligible for an extension that summer with $76 mill AAV. He keeps getting compared to Vucevic, he's like 20 lbs lighter, he'd be much more effective at PF with a defensive center. And he's a good fit on paper with Matas as a forward pairing.

[WindyCityBorn]

I don't see Sabonis/Bulls happening. It would just be way too stupid. To repeat the rigamarole of paying assets for an almost-30yo C, undersized/unathletic big with poor rim protection... with poor 3P range to boot... it would be quite the bold 3rd movement for Arturas. To like, cement a 41-41 ceiling team? Paxson would break into the Advocate Center to veto the trade and choke AK.

What about this version of making the mistake with SAC?

Vuc/Ball/Williams/Por 1st for Sabonis/Murray

I'm sure it's not attractive to SAC because I attach negative value to Sabonis, but I'd feel less bad if we nabbed Murray.

I want no part of Sabonis in Chicago. He is just a younger Vuc.

[WindyCityBorn]

So I'm the only one who thinks Sabonis could be great at PF with an athletic defensive center? He's shot 37%, 38%, and 41% from 3 the last three years, seems like great three point range to me. Especially if that center is not a strong rebounder. There are a few good defensive centers that are poor rebounders, like Jaren Jackson and Brook Lopez. Our team last year probably could have won 41 games. Don't see how the team wouldn't be way better with say Sabonis/Smith, Maluach, Ware, Reid, Turner, Gafford, etc at PF/Center vs Williams/Vucevic.

The Bulls need at least two players to contend. All these projections of where we'll be with one trade are not really fair. Does anybody here think we're one player away? Even if it was Giannis, after all we'd have to give up?

So Sabonis and Giddey as huge weaknesses on defense. Along with maybe Coby too? Only Wemby or Gobert could cover that somewhat.

[Chi town]

I could see Huerter for Issac.

Magic need shooting really bad.

[Infinity2152]

So I'm the only one who thinks Sabonis could be great at PF with an athletic defensive center? He's shot 37%, 38%, and 41% from 3 the last three years, seems like great three point range to me. Especially if that center is not a strong rebounder. There are a few good defensive centers that are poor rebounders, like Jaren Jackson and Brook Lopez. Our team last year probably could have won 41 games. Don't see how the team wouldn't be way better with say Sabonis/Smith, Maluach, Ware, Reid, Turner, Gafford, etc at PF/Center vs Williams/Vucevic.

The Bulls need at least two players to contend. All these projections of where we'll be with one trade are not really fair. Does anybody here think we're one player away? Even if it was Giannis, after all we'd have to give up?

So Sabonis and Giddey as huge weaknesses on defense. Along with maybe Coby too? Only Wemby or Gobert could cover that somewhat.

I'm not counting on Coby/Giddey pairing as a long term thing, are you? So the only "weak" defender I'm counting on being here long term is Giddey, and he's getting better. He's not been a huge weakness on defense. And I don't think Sabonis is a huge weakness on defense at PF. Guy had a PER of 23 this season. DPBM of 1.1. DWS 2.7 Wouldn't that be one of the best on the Bulls right now? Was 10th in the DPOY running just a year ago, and now he's one of the league's worst defenders? He's not a bad defender, he's just not a great rim protector. Career defensive rating of 109.9.

Our team is nowhere near set. I'm looking at Giddey, Matas and I'm looking for the best third player we can get. Fill in the holes around them. I'm an optimist. I really expect Giddey to have an All-Star level season next year, and Matas to have a better season than Cooper Flagg. I don't see how a team with our talent level could turn their noses up at a guy who was in the MVP running in 2022 and 2023 and is under 30. Think his contract is pretty fair, NBA wise, for the level of player he is. Man averaged 19pt, 14 rbs, 6 assts on 66 TS%, 42% 3pt shooting, don't want any of that! Sounds like the same reasoning everybody was giving for not wanting Giddey.

[burlydee]

State of the Union address: It's time to pick a lane. Our main two pieces right now are Giddey and Matas. A great 3 starters with depth should be a great team. Our best trade pieces are Coby, Vuc, Collins, Huerter.

We can either trade up: Combine players, picks to add the best third player we can
Or trade down: Trade Coby and Vucevic and get picks and role players.

Trading Coby and Vucevic immediately takes us out of any potential superstar trade, imo. We have to think about that when we're talking about trading them for guys like Kuminga or Anthony Black or even Naz Reid. I've been talking up ome of these mid trades, but thinking I want Desmond Bane/Markannen level at least before I move Coby. I'd hold him till the deadline if I had to, opportunities could come up.

We need high end talent. I see people rejecting even the idea of Sabonis. He'd be considered a far more valuable player than almost any of the trade ideas I've seen. Just play him at PF, great rebounder, solid shooter, active player. He's 29, great. Vuc will be gone, if a 29 yr old vet is the oldest guy on the team, glad to have him. He's an elite NBA talent. He'll make $43 mill next yr. $46.7 mill in 2026. Think I just heard SGA will be eligible for an extension that summer with $76 mill AAV. He keeps getting compared to Vucevic, he's like 20 lbs lighter, he'd be much more effective at PF with a defensive center. And he's a good fit on paper with Matas as a forward pairing.

I don't think trading Coby for either guy makes the Bulls better. I guess im higher on Bane, but I'm not sure if Coby isn't better for the Bulls.

I think the lane is either building with Coby or trading him for pieces and focusing on a rebuild. If the Bulls want Markannen for example, it makes far more sense to keep Coby and trade other assets to obtain Lauri. I',m guessing the price is expirings, the Portland pick and another future 1st.

Something like PWill, Vuc, Terry, Portland pick, Bulls 2027 top 10 protected pick. If we're going to push in, I'd aim for something higher than Lauri.

[Infinity2152]

State of the Union address: It's time to pick a lane. Our main two pieces right now are Giddey and Matas. A great 3 starters with depth should be a great team. Our best trade pieces are Coby, Vuc, Collins, Huerter.

We can either trade up: Combine players, picks to add the best third player we can
Or trade down: Trade Coby and Vucevic and get picks and role players.

Trading Coby and Vucevic immediately takes us out of any potential superstar trade, imo. We have to think about that when we're talking about trading them for guys like Kuminga or Anthony Black or even Naz Reid. I've been talking up ome of these mid trades, but thinking I want Desmond Bane/Markannen level at least before I move Coby. I'd hold him till the deadline if I had to, opportunities could come up.

We need high end talent. I see people rejecting even the idea of Sabonis. He'd be considered a far more valuable player than almost any of the trade ideas I've seen. Just play him at PF, great rebounder, solid shooter, active player. He's 29, great. Vuc will be gone, if a 29 yr old vet is the oldest guy on the team, glad to have him. He's an elite NBA talent. He'll make $43 mill next yr. $46.7 mill in 2026. Think I just heard SGA will be eligible for an extension that summer with $76 mill AAV. He keeps getting compared to Vucevic, he's like 20 lbs lighter, he'd be much more effective at PF with a defensive center. And he's a good fit on paper with Matas as a forward pairing.

I don't think trading Coby for either guy makes the Bulls better. I guess im higher on Bane, but I'm not sure if Coby isn't better for the Bulls.

I think the lane is either building with Coby or trading him for pieces and focusing on a rebuild. If the Bulls want Markannen for example, it makes far more sense to keep Coby and trade other assets to obtain Lauri. I',m guessing the price is expirings, the Portland pick and another future 1st.

Something like PWill, Vuc, Terry, Portland pick, Bulls 2027 top 10 protected pick. If we're going to push in, I'd aim for something higher than Lauri.

Would rather shoot for someone even higher than Bane or Markannen, myself. I've said a few times, with us about to sign Giddey to a new deal, and Matas entering his second year on his rookie contract, this is prime time to go for the biggest talent we possibly can without using either of them. I do think Bane is an All Star level talent and a MUCH better fit next to Giddey as an off ball shooter and great defender. Giddey, Bane, Matas could be a dangerous young trio. Would consider Sabonis a higher level talent. Doesn't have to make us a contender right now, makes us a much more talented team and adds a good relatively young vet to the young guys with high IQ.

We have a bunch of mid assets besides Giddey and Matas. Combine what we can to get the best third piece we can now, without sacrificing draft picks. But don't focus on accumulating picks and young players right now while we're in this window. We already have a ton of young players that could still step up (Ayo, Phillips, Terry, Smith). We need to stop worrying about Pat's contract now. Stop shooting for worse deals by including his contract. His contract will get better. Get the best player we can to maximize our window with Giddy and Matas.

[sco]

The Vegas odds had Bulls #2 for MPJ. That's one I actually see happening after draft night, rather haphazardly. It would basically be the Patrick dump.

PWilly, Lonzo, Jevon for MPJ, 2026 FRP (I believe they can move it after this draft ends, as their 25 is heading to ORL), Saric

Or maybe Nuggets want Ayo instead of Lonzo, for a more healthy guarantee. AK would prob settle on Ayo & Lonzo instead of Jevon, although that seems too generous after the post-season MPJ had. Of course the same could be said for PW; atleast MPJ had a solid reg. season. So maybe you settle on no FRP, and just 1 of Lonzo or Ayo. They'd want to dump Zeke on us, but that seems like $9M of deadweight.

I look at the MPJ trade as getting value for taking on a bad contract, and I think most of the league would see it that way. It's sorta the same way others must have looked at the Lavine trade. You do have us getting value by getting rid of PWill, and to a lesser extent Carter, which one could say are roughly equal to MPJ (once contracts are figured in). So really, the value is getting a late 1st for Lonzo. I don't love it, but, if we are definitely getting Jones back, I'd do it. If it was Ayo in the deal, I'd definitely do it, regardless of Jones.

I prefer a version that's PWill + Vuc for MPJ. I might even consider adding the Por pick to make that work.

[sco]

So I'm the only one who thinks Sabonis could be great at PF with an athletic defensive center? He's shot 37%, 38%, and 41% from 3 the last three years, seems like great three point range to me. Especially if that center is not a strong rebounder. There are a few good defensive centers that are poor rebounders, like Jaren Jackson and Brook Lopez. Our team last year probably could have won 41 games. Don't see how the team wouldn't be way better with say Sabonis/Smith, Maluach, Ware, Reid, Turner, Gafford, etc at PF/Center vs Williams/Vucevic.

The Bulls need at least two players to contend. All these projections of where we'll be with one trade are not really fair. Does anybody here think we're one player away? Even if it was Giannis, after all we'd have to give up?

You must subscribe to the saying "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good." While you're right, Sabonis' defensive woes could be hidden at PF next to a good defensive C. The "But" is that despite decent 3pt %'s Sabonis' value is his acting as your offensive hub and his camping out in the paint for rebounds. If we are rolling with a Giddey led offense (and doubly-so, if we're keeping Coby), we really need EVERYBODY else in the starting line-up be a very good defender. Also, adding a non-defending player at PF, bumps Giddey down to the other guard spot and takes away our chance to add a POA defender.

[sco]

Coby trade -

Black, #16 pick and Jett Howard (salary filler) for Coby White

For Orlando, they get a dynamic scoring guard who can play on or off ball. A good complement to Suggs and a guy who can boost their offense. A good fit for Coby as he becomes the 3rd offensive player but without having the priority of carrying a team.

The Bulls get a defensive guard with upside to possibly pair with Giddey and a mid-lottery pick. You now have Giddey-Matas-Black-#12-#16 as young assets to keep building. Black can be your lead guard defender moving forward. It also avoids the hard decision around Coby's contract. And w/o Coby I suspect the Bulls are guaranteed a top 8 pick next year.

I agree with the concept. I like Black, but Howard isn't good (which you note). At the end of the day, the crux of the trade is Coby for 16 and I don't think that's enough. I'd either want Bitadze or #25 added instead of Howard.

[sco]

State of the Union address: It's time to pick a lane. Our main two pieces right now are Giddey and Matas. A great 3 starters with depth should be a great team. Our best trade pieces are Coby, Vuc, Collins, Huerter.

We can either trade up: Combine players, picks to add the best third player we can
Or trade down: Trade Coby and Vucevic and get picks and role players.

Trading Coby and Vucevic immediately takes us out of any potential superstar trade, imo. We have to think about that when we're talking about trading them for guys like Kuminga or Anthony Black or even Naz Reid. I've been talking up ome of these mid trades, but thinking I want Desmond Bane/Markannen level at least before I move Coby. I'd hold him till the deadline if I had to, opportunities could come up.

We need high end talent. I see people rejecting even the idea of Sabonis. He'd be considered a far more valuable player than almost any of the trade ideas I've seen. Just play him at PF, great rebounder, solid shooter, active player. He's 29, great. Vuc will be gone, if a 29 yr old vet is the oldest guy on the team, glad to have him. He's an elite NBA talent. He'll make $43 mill next yr. $46.7 mill in 2026. Think I just heard SGA will be eligible for an extension that summer with $76 mill AAV. He keeps getting compared to Vucevic, he's like 20 lbs lighter, he'd be much more effective at PF with a defensive center. And he's a good fit on paper with Matas as a forward pairing.

I agree that our best move right now is to trade Coby plus other assets for someone who is better than Coby. I think Bane is the best remotely feasible option out there that I've heard. I get your point, but I don't see us getting Lauri.