Coby White, Tomas Satoransky and Ryan Arcidiacono. Oh, wait, and Kris Dunn.
All offseason, Dunn has been the odd man out (poor guy). Whether John Paxson is directly calling him out during an interview or “forgetting” to use his name when talking about his team’s acquisitions over the years, Dunn repeatedly draws the short end of the stick.
Indeed, the team’s intentions were already clear when they drafted White earlier this month. But the signing of Satoransky earlier this morning appeared to drop him even further down the depth chart, and now, the Bulls are finally, actually trying to move the guard out of town.
Check it out:
The Chicago Bulls are searching for a trade that would move point guard Kris Dunn, league sources say.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 1, 2019
Keep in mind, the idea of trading Dunn came up earlier this offseason as well, and the Tribune’s K.C. Johnson pointed out that Dunn’s trade value was “low to nonexistent.” So don’t expect much of a return here, because that’s not really the point of such a deal. With that said, now that free agency is officially underway, other teams around the league should have a better idea of whom they can and cannot acquire, so Dunn’s market may open up a bit.
After all, he’s still just 25-years-old and has plenty left in the tank (probably…). Dunn averaged 11.3 points and 6.0 assists per game last season, but his general court presence with the likes of Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen just never inspired confidence.
If the Bulls can find a possible suitor, they could earn back a second round pick (gave up several this morning in sign-and-trade for Satoransky) and could also free up $5 million more in cap space.
Who's got a 2nd Rd pick they don't want?
Something else to think about: #Bulls could clear ~$5M more if they get this done. Also still have the room exception of $4.7. https://t.co/YnPvyrLz59
— Matt Peck (@Bulls_Peck) July 1, 2019
In either case, the Bulls still have the room exception of $4.76 million to work with this summer, but adding another $5 million on top of that could pave the way for more depth to be added to this Bulls bench. A Dunn trade would also, of course, ensure more immediate playing time for White, assuming he would start the season off as the primary back-up option to Satornasky.
Johnson pointed out earlier the Bulls will most likely be looking for a shooter or back-up big man with the remaining salary, so if the team can open up more cap space, the “tier” of that potential player could move up significantly.
Guys, the Bulls are making moves… and it’s not half bad.