Bulls Linked In Potential Trade For All-Star Center

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Bulls are starting to garner more and more buzz on the trade market. The team was always a safe bet to be active this summer. Artūras Karnišovas wants to contend and although injuries were very disruptive last season, it was clear the front office still had work to do.

Bulls Linked To Rudy Gobert

According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, the Bulls are reportedly showing interest in Utah Jazz All-Star Center Rudy Gobert. In addition to Gobert, Chicago is also eying the other centers on the market including New York Knicks Free agent Mitchell Robinson. Obviously two very different prices in terms of what the Bulls would have to give up and pay to acquire these two players but let's take a deeper look at the options this front office might end up targeting.

Rudy Gobert Or The Field?

As I mentioned earlier, acquiring Rudy Gobert would not be cheap. The Bulls would likely have to part ways with Nikola Vucevic and another player such as Coby White. However, you might be able to package Vooch and perhaps a pick or two and maybe get a deal done. Either route again would be costly. To make this addition even riskier, the Bulls would be picking up a very large contract. Gobert is set to be paid $130M over the next three years. That averages out to around $41M per season according to Spotrac. Although Gobert is a defensive god, winning DPOY three times in his career, it's the offensive side that poses the bigger risk. Yes, the Bulls can score. It's their defense that's been the huge question mark as of late. Obviously, if they do go after Gobert you'd love to see LaVine back in a Bulls jersey. Otherwise an aggressive move like this wouldn't make a lot of sense. Heading into year nine, Gobert is yet to average more than 15 PPG. But it's fair to note that Gobert has averaged almost 13+ rebounds per game along with 2+ blocks per game over the last four seasons. I'd shy away from this move but if they do end up pulling the trigger, I could see why AK and Co. do it. Just better hope it pans out.

What about Mitchell Robinson?

Alright, now let's talk about a less eye popping move. Do the Bulls play it safe and offer Mitchell Robinson a deal in free agency? The former second round pick averaged 8.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and almost 2 BPG in 2022. Definitely not Gobert numbers but you are also not paying him Gobert money. Robinson is 24 years old which is 6 years younger than Gobert who turns 30 at the end of the month. There is likely a decline in production coming for Rudy but the opposite could be said for Mitchell who is yet to reach his full potential. I obviously want the Bulls to go all in this off-season. I just don't want them to swing big and miss. This roster needs a home run signing similar to what we got from DeMar last year. If I'm AK, I'd look into DeAndre Ayton. There are rumors floating around that he won't be back in The Valley. Just something to think about/explore. But no matter what the Bulls choose to do, they absolutely gotta get this off-season right.