Currently, the Chicago Bulls do not have a pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Their first round pick was given to the Orlando Magic in the NBA Draft Lottery, leaving them without a first round pick. Meanwhile, the NBA stripped Chicago of its second-round pick, ruling that the Bulls shortchanged them when they signed Lonzo Ball in 2021.
Considering the current state of the Bulls, they could use a first round pick to add a cost controlled player to the roster. And while they don’t currently have a pick, they still have time to trade up in the draft. It would be very wise for them to do so.
With just a couple of weeks left until the NBA draft, here are five trades the Bulls could make to get a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
5 trades to pick the Bulls in the first round in 2023: 20th pick, Houston Rockets
Bulls get: 20th pick in 2023 NBA Draft, Kenyon Martin Jr., future first round pick (via BRK)
Rockets get: Alex Caruso
It is unlikely that the Bulls will trade Alex Caruso, but this would be a strong value coming back from a Houston Rockets team that needs to strengthen if they can land James Harden.
Chicago could get the 20th pick to get a nice young prospect, as well as a future first. Additionally, they would bring in Kenyon Martin Jr. for added depth forward, which they desperately need.
5 trades to pick the Bulls in the first round in 2023: 15th pick, Atlanta Hawks
Bulls get: 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, John Collins, Jalen Johnson
Hawks will receive: DeMar DeRozan, second round pick
The Atlanta Hawks desperately need to fix their financial situation, and trading for DeRozan, who is entering the final year of his deal, could be a good way to do that at the same time and improve their starting five.
At the same time, the Bulls would get a pick in the top 15 and John Collins, who could go into the power forward, Patrick Williams moving over to the three. Jalen Johnson would also be a nice young depth piece.
5 trades to give the Bulls a 2023 first round pick: 10th pick, Dallas Mavericks
Bulls get: 10th pick in 2023 NBA Draft, Tim Hardaway Jr., Davis Bertans, future first round pick (lottery protected)
Mavericks will get: DeMar DeRozan, Derrick Jones Jr.
DeMar DeRozan is heading into the final year of his contract, but he could be a nice third star for the Dallas Mavericks as they look to compete for a title with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
For the Bulls, giving up on DeRozan now would make sure they got value for him, and the 10th pick in the draft would be a great compensation, even if they would need two big contracts to undertake.
5 trades to give the Bulls a 2023 first round pick: 6th pick, Orlando Magic
Bulls get: 6th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac
Get magic: Zach LaVine
If the Orlando Magic feel ready to push for a playoff spot, this could be the perfect trade for them. Adding Zach LaVine to their current core would give them a big boost. Plus, they also have the 1st pick, so they would have another draft capital to work with.
Chicago would get a new young point guard prospect, a good wing defender, an interesting defensive project to work with, and the sixth pick, with which they could draft a promising young talent.
5 trades to pick the Bulls in the first round in 2023: 3rd pick, Portland Trail Blazers
Bulls get: Pick #3 in the 2023 NBA Draft, Anfernee Simons, a second round pick
Trail Blazers get: Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond
This is a trade that many people have discussed, as the Portland Trail Blazers are looking to put together a contending team around Damian Lillard.
Chicago is supposed to compete with their current base, but this deal could be a good way for them to stay competitive and start a small rebuild.
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The story first appeared on Lonzo Wire
