The Chicago Bulls have been a central focus across the NBA in trade talks with multiple players as the February 6 deadline nears. With the latest rumor being that the team is ready to enter a long-term rebuild, anyone is on the table for competitive organizations to send offers over for. The two primary names that have surfaced in trade talks are Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, with Lonzo Ball and Coby White generating some chatter as well.
The last few seasons for Chicago have been rather disappointing. Ever since the play-in tournament went into effect, the Bulls have been frequent participants, leaving fans frustrated with the lack of direction from the front office for this team. Making the choice to sell off key veterans and rip down the roster appears to be the best option for the future at this point.
Even with a lot of money potentially heading off Chicago’s books, they have discussed bringing in a bigger name to help facilitate a trade prior to next week’s deadline.
The Chicago Bulls are in discussions for Bradley Beal
In order to make a deal work with their veterans, the Bulls will need to take on some salary from their trading partners. If they make a deal where the Phoenix Suns are involved, a report shows that Bradley Beal could be on the table for Chicago.
“We’re dancing around this because I’ve just been burned on aggregation, but the bottom line is the Bulls and the Suns have talked and the concept of Bradley Beal ending up in Chicago has been discussed,” said Brian Windhorst. “I’m not saying it’s going to happen. I’m not saying it close or whatever. Obviously, Beal has a no-trade clause.”
Beal has two years remaining on his massive five-year contract that he signed with the Wizards in 2022. The former Florida Gator lasted just one year into the deal with Washington before requesting a trade and landing in Phoenix. He was the third overall pick in the 2012 draft and left the Wizards as they were going through their worst times in this century.
Beal’s numbers so far this season have been down from normal in his overall game. The 31-year-old is averaging 17.2 points, 3.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game to go along with his 48.5% shooting mark from the field. Known for his ability to shoot the three-ball, Beal currently sits with a 39.6% mark from deep this year.
While he his playing solid, it’s not nearly enough for the Suns based on what they are paying him. Phoenix has been rumored to be in on Jimmy Butler amidst his saga in Miami. If the organization feels like they need a change of pace at the wing position, Butler can certainly provide that along with a winning pedigree. The Bulls would act as an extra party to Miami and Phoenix to help get a deal like this across the finish line.
What Bradley Beal would mean for the Chicago Bulls moving forward
With all of the talk surrounding the Bulls being about everyone being on the table except Matas Buzelis, bringing in a guy like Beal would be confusing for the team’s trajectory. There is no saying that Chicago would hold onto Beal beyond this year, but he doesn’t exactly help the principle of rebuilding this franchise from the ground up.
Beal would be a reason for fans to show up to the United Center on a nightly basis based on his name value, but at the same time that might not be what they want at the end of the day. People who support the Bulls have grown frustrated with the lack of direction around the franchise, and adding Beal in a three-team trade could just add on to the pain that fans have dealt with for the past few seasons.
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