NEWSLETTER
Shockingly, the Chicago Bulls (16-29) are only 3.5 games back from the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference with just 37 games to go in the regular season. But even as their playoff hopes remain technically alive, it’s hard to imagine them mustering up enough change to turn this season around. So then, it’s quite possible they decide to sell a few pieces before the upcoming trade deadline (February 6th), and Thaddeus Young may be their most intriguing veteran asset.
If you recall, Young trade rumors have circled the market since the LA Times reported the Clippers’ interest at the end of December. And although the rumor gained little traction over the past several weeks, NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson is reminding folks it’s still very much in play:
A league source previously confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago that the Clippers’ interest in Young is legitimate, which was first reported by the Los Angeles Times. A Clippers scout attended a recent Bulls game despite the fact the teams don’t meet again until April.
A local confirmation on the Clippers’ interest certainly reaffirms the legitimacy, and the Clippers sending a scout to Chicago could very well be the next step in trying to make a trade happen.
If I’m the Bulls, I’m listening loud and clear to any offers on the table. The Clippers don’t have a lot of flexibility, and as we pointed out in the initial report, any kind of deal would most likely have to include veteran wing, Maurice Harkless. Unfortunatly, the Clippers are thin on draft picks (thanks to their mega-trade for Paul George), so organizing a clean package for both sides could be pretty difficult.
Young for Harkless would amount to a successful future salary dump for the Bulls, but a one-for-one exchange wouldn’t be the smartest move for Chicago. Not only could Young be interesting trade-bate for a contender down the road, but the Bulls could also easily use his talent and leadership in the seasons to come.
HOWEVER, considering Young’s awkward fit with the team so far, among other reasons, I think it’s probably in the Bulls’ best interest to work out a deal. I don’t blame Young, but the longer he is a part of the rotation, the longer Chicago can avoid handing Lauri Markkanen the keys. Plus, it never hurts to have a little more cap flexibility when you’re in the Bulls position. I know a good veteran presence is always needed for a team to succeed, but this Bulls team is far from that position.
In any case, Young isn’t feeding into any of the speculations. While his camp reportedly asked for more playing time and threatened to seek a trade in the early part of this season, Young has stayed calm and professional thought it all: “If I’m traded, I’m traded and have to go to the next city. If I’m not, then I’m here with my brothers, here with my teammates, and ready to fight,” Young told NBC Sports Chicago.
The deadline is a little over two weeks away, so if the Clippers want to make a move, the Bulls have plenty of time to work out a deal.
