Trade Season Starts Early, Derrick Jones Jr., Game 6, and Other Bulls Bullets

Jun 16, 2022

The temperature outside recently has been almost as hot as me, right?

The Mavericks and Rockets decided to start the offseason fun a little early last night. Dallas acquired 26-year-old big man Christian Wood in exchange for their No. 26 first-round pick and a pile of borderline rotation players. For the rebuilding Houston Rockets, while opening up a little more breathing room, it mainly got rid of a starter who would have eaten into playing time for their incoming No. 3-overall pick.

Dallas will also include Sterling Brown in the deal, source said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2022

Still, I was left somewhat surprised by the seemingly inexpensive price tag for Wood. Not only can he theoretically slide into either frontcourt position, but he’s shown increasing signs of improvement in the past few years. Last season, he averaged 17.9 points per game with a career-high 10.1 rebounds. He also shot by far the best he’s ever had behind the arc, knocking down 39.0 percent of his 3-pointers on 4.9 attempts per game. Wood should fit in effortlessly alongside Luka Doncic as a big who can run pick-and-roll almost as well as he can space the floor. And, I don’t know, I guess I just thought that skill set would be a hotter commodity around the league.

With that said, Houston probably didn’t want to take on any future salary, and I’m not sure how many teams could have offered that many expendable players in return. The No. 26 pick also feels like a decent grab in a draft that projects to be pretty darn deep (Houston now owns No. 3, No. 17, and No. 26). We too shouldn’t forget that Wood is on an expiring deal. If he puts together a strong campaign for a winning team, you can bet your pants retaining him will not come cheap.

Rockets were looking to move Christian Wood to clear playing time for Alperen Sengun and likely the No. 3 overall pick, whether that’s Paolo Banchero or Chet Holmgren. They pounced on chance to acquire a first-round pick (and no long-term salary) in the process.— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 16, 2022

So does this trade mean anything for the Bulls? Eh, now directly. Dallas was mentioned early on as a potential suitor for Zach LaVine, and I guess this move could suggest they aren’t planning to go that direction anymore. However, Wood’s $14.0mil salary technically doesn’t mean they can’t still pursue LaVine via sign-and-trade (which would have been the only way for them to add LaVine in the first place). But, regardless, I never viewed Dallas as a legitimate landing spot for the Bulls’ All-Star.

The Rockets now have far too many players on their roster to keep around, which means a handful will either hit waivers or end up in another trade. As I said, all have basically been borderline rotation guys in recent years, so I don’t see the Bulls jumping at the opportunity to add anyone. Sterling Brown – a smart player with catch-and-shoot potential and a physical frame – could possibly be the most worthwhile gamble. But, hey, if the Bulls are just looking for #Goodvibes, Boban Marjanovic is sitting right there!

If the Bulls had to take anything away from this unexpected trade, it could be that the market is simply ready to get moving. While this may not be the biggest deal, Wood is certainly a key edition for a competitive Mavericks team, and that’s all it can take for other teams to ramp up their own team-building process. So if the rumors start to heat up even more in the coming days (especially with the draft around the corner), I will not be surprised.

The Athletic’s John Hollinger has Derrick Jones Jr. as the 7th-best power forward on the free-agent market.

How much is Miles Bridges worth?@johnhollinger applies his BORD$ valuation model to the free-agent power forwards.

Full rankings: https://t.co/ohdZZgWFUg pic.twitter.com/BwLQ7dCsWt— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 16, 2022

I’ve gone on the record saying that I would like to see Derrick Jones Jr. remain in a Bulls uniform. Not only does he still possess some intriguing upside at only 25 years old, but he seems to fit really well with the identity this team is trying to create. He is an athletic freak who is money in transition and can guard multiple positions. I thought Jones also showed some nice flashes as a lob threat roll man this season. Unfortunately, though, I’m not sure potential will be enough for Arturas Karnisovas and Co. to keep him aboard, especially because I envision another team gambling on that potential with a better contract offer.

I decided to try a different format for this offseason’s draft profiles. My goal is only to get better at providing more concise and informative evaluations, so I hope it reads as interesting as it was to write.

Draft Notebook: E.J. Liddell, Jalen Williams, and Ochai Agbajihttps://t.co/O9dPoGLWu6 pic.twitter.com/YiB5VRzMng
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) June 15, 2022

Oof.

.@YahooSports Sources: Inside the lengths Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III has gone to play this postseason, including having knee drained repeatedly. https://t.co/3IViOhGhDj— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 15, 2022

I can’t believe the number of times I’ve gone back and forth during these NBA Finals. The Celtics have undoubtedly looked like the better team at times, but they can’t seem to do it for more than a couple of quarters. As for Golden State, while the championship pedigree is common knowledge, there is no denying this team is far more vulnerable than the ones that have come before. So, yeah, I truly have no idea what is going to happen tonight.

The Celtics' Big Three stand in the way of Steph getting his fourth ring 💍

Will the Warriors seal the deal tonight? 🍿 pic.twitter.com/sOh2ILV5ZN— ESPN (@espn) June 16, 2022

Another day … another anniversary:

🏆🏆🏆🏆

26 years ago today: we became 4x champs.

"Don't mean a thing without the ring." pic.twitter.com/khJlptzgjU
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 16, 2022

wesuckagain.gif

Where Did the Competitive Losses Go? And Other Cubs Bulletshttps://t.co/S4LpcdJSuk pic.twitter.com/xawbbVRpuN
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) June 16, 2022

written by

Elias Schuster

Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

more bulls news

Chicago Bulls

So What Are the Bulls Going to Do With All Their Guards?

If the Chicago Bulls were hoping to clean up their rotation this offseason, they've done the opposite. Billy Donovan will have a challenging training camp ahead of him in a little over a week. Not only does the head coach...

Elias Schuster

Sep 19, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Jerry Reinsdorf Reportedly Said He Cares More About the White Sox Winning Than the Bulls

I am not a White Sox fan. The primary reason for that is simply the way I was raised. Sure, I'd attend a handful of games at U.S. Cellular here and there, but Wrigley Field and WGN are where I...

Elias Schuster

Sep 19, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Who Deserves a 2K Ratings Bump? Sixth Man Ayo, The Worst Case Scenario, and Other Bulls Bullets

This morning my soon-to-be wife and I went to the Cook County clerk's office to pick up a Marriage license for our upcoming wedding. What did I learn in the process? Getting married is shockingly easy. I was in and...

Elias Schuster

Sep 19, 2024

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls’ New City Edition Jersey Leaked And … Meh

Another NBA season, another underwhelming batch of alternative jerseys. Continuing the offseason trend, the league's newest City Edition uniforms for the 2024-25 season leaked online well ahead of opening night. The reception has been even colder than normal, as many...

Elias Schuster

Sep 18, 2024

Chicago Bulls

A Walk Down Woj Bomb Lane, Chicago’s Best Trade Asset? Sky Stay Alive, and Other Bulls Bullets

Our sweet dreams of a Zach LaVine Woj Bomb have officially been dashed. https://www.bleachernation.com/bulls/2024/09/18/adrian-wojnarowski-retires ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski officially announced his retirement from the media industry on Wednesday morning. The news comes only weeks before NBA training camps open across the...

Elias Schuster

Sep 18, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Renowned NBA Reporter Adrian Wojnarowski Announces Retirement (UPDATE: What’s Next?)

The way we get our NBA news will never be the same. In arguably his most shocking report yet, Adrian Wojnarowski, 55, announced that he is retiring. One of the most well-known sports insiders in history released in a statement...

Elias Schuster

Sep 18, 2024

Chicago Bulls

So Tonight is a Really Big Game for the Chicago Sky

The Chicago Sky could have their postseason fate decided in just a matter of hours. Sitting at 13-25 on the year with just a 2-8 record in their last 10 games, Chicago currently ranks 9th in the WNBA standings. The...

Elias Schuster

Sep 17, 2024

Chicago Bulls

It Looks Like Michael Jordan is Finally About to Sell His Highland Park Mansion

Michael Jordan may be on the brink of his greatest accomplishment yet. After over a decade-long battle, the GOAT has reportedly found a suitor for his Highland Park mansion. Known by many in the Chicagoland area, the house has sat...

Elias Schuster

Sep 17, 2024

Chicago Bulls

How Does Patrick Williams’ Contract Look Next to the Others in the 2024 Free Agent Class?

Patrick Williams should be feeling the heat as training camp nears. While the 23-year-old secured himself some generational wealth this offseason, this means the expectations have only risen. Many have already questioned whether or not Williams is worth the five-year,...

Elias Schuster

Sep 17, 2024

Chicago Bulls

The First Trailer for Netflix’s “Starting 5” Has Arrived … And It’s Amazing

Netflix released its first extended trailer for their highly-anticipated NBA docuseries on Monday afternoon. Titled "Starting 5," the show follows LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler, and Domantas Sabonis throughout the 2023-24 season. James' media brand "Uninterrupted" helped...

Elias Schuster

Sep 17, 2024

Fantasy Football

Anthony Richardson Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

Anthony Richardson has posted 36.0 fantasy points through 2 games this season. Keep scrolling to learn what we can expect from the Indianapolis Colts QB the rest of the way.Looking at season stats, Richardson has thrown for 416 yards (208.0...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

C.J. Stroud Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

C.J. Stroud has not offered much production for fantasy managers this season, tallying 275.1 fantasy points (11th among QBs) through 2 games. Below, we break down his rest-of-the-season outlook.Stroud is averaging 247.0 passing yards per game (494 total). Other season...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

Devon Achane Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

Devon Achane has not offered much production for fantasy managers this season, scoring 163.7 fantasy points (fourth among RBs) through 2 games. Below, we break down his rest-of-the-season outlook.Achane has 32 carries for 120 yards and one touchdown. A closer...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

Rashee Rice Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

Rashee Rice has posted 23.8 fantasy points through 2 games this season. Keep reading to learn what we can expect from the Kansas City Chiefs WR going forward.Rice's season stats include 178 yards on 12 receptions (14.8 per catch) and...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

Luke Musgrave Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

Luke Musgrave has not offered much production for fantasy managers this season, posting 41.2 fantasy points (60th among TEs) through 2 games. Below, we analyze his rest-of-the-season outlook.Should I draft Luke Musgrave?Musgrave has produced 0.6 fantasy points in 2024 (0.3...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

Dalton Kincaid Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

Through 2 games this season, Dalton Kincaid has tallied 77.3 fantasy points. For a glimpse at what we can expect from the Buffalo Bills TE going forward, check out the rest of this column.Looking at season stats, Kincaid has been...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

Zach Charbonnet Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

In 2 games this season, Zach Charbonnet has recorded 73.1 fantasy points. For a glimpse at what we can expect from the Seattle Seahawks RB going forward, check out the rest of this article.Looking at season stats, Charbonnet has run...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

Dontayvion Wicks Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

Through 2 games this season, Dontayvion Wicks hasn't generated much fantasy production, as he has scored just 8.6 fantasy points. Wanting to know his prospects for remainder of the 2024 season? You've come to the right place.Wicks has three receptions...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

Zay Flowers Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

Through 2 games this season, Zay Flowers has tallied 129.4 fantasy points. For a glimpse at what we can expect from the Baltimore Ravens WR going forward, check out the rest of this column.Looking at season stats, Flowers has been...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Fantasy Football

Quentin Johnston Fantasy: 2024 Outlook, Projections, Stats, Points & ADP

Quentin Johnston has not offered much production for fantasy managers this season, tallying 56.0 fantasy points (22nd among WRs) through 2 games. Below, we analyze his rest-of-the-season outlook.In terms of season stats, Johnston has been targeted 11 times and has...

Data Skrive

Sep 19, 2024

Trade Season Starts Early, Derrick Jones Jr., Game 6, and Other Bulls Bullets

Read More

more bulls news

Latest News

more bulls news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News