Despite adding three new names to their roster in the Zach LaVine trade, the Chicago Bulls are unlikely to have any suit-up before Thursday’s trade deadline.
Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and Zach Collins were each sent to the organization in Sunday night’s blockbuster deal. Jones and Collins came via the San Antonio, while Huerter spent the past couple of years with the Sacramento Kings. All indications have been that the Bulls remain completely open for business, which means any of these three players could find themselves on the move again.
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network confirmed early Tuesday afternoon that none of the new additions will be on the court against the Heat. With the Bulls also playing tomorrow night (aka one night before the deadline), our first opportunity to see any of the three players will be on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors. Billy Donovan told reporters that the three players will at least travel to Minnesota for Wednesday night’s game, but they will likely not begin to participate in team activities until after the deadline.
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Tre Jones, in particular, instantly felt like a potential candidate to be rerouted. The high-IQ facilitator is on an expiring deal and a decently moveable contract. Considering the sheer number of guards on the Bulls’ current roster, moving him in exchange for draft capital could make a lot of sense as they approach a rebuild. After all, there is no guarantee that he chooses to stay with the franchise in the offseason.
As for Kevin Huerter, there is at least some reason to believe that a contender could talk themselves into his top-tier shooting ability. The 26-year-old is a 37.5 percent shooter from downtown over his career on nearly 6.0 attempts per game. The problem, however, is he is owed $16.8 million this season and nearly $18.0 million next season. That’s not nothing, especially when we consider his rather one-dimensional skillset and that he’s shooting a career-low 30.2 percent this season. The Bulls may be better off holding on to Huerter in hopes of boosting his value and re-evaluating the trade market when he’s an expiring deal.
Zach Collins is in somewhat of a similar position. The big man has dealt with injury trouble ever since leaving Gonzaga, only playing 69 or more games once in his last six seasons. He’s only averaged 4.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in his 36 appearances this season.
Having said that, Collins is a decent rebounder with his seven-foot frame and has the ability to stretch the floor. I’d also declare him an underrated passer, which is something the Bulls have shown they value in their bigs. Still, like Huerter, he’s owed more than a lot of people would be willing to pay at $16.7 million this season and $18.1 million this season.
We will plan to talk more about what each of these guys can bring to the table IF they manage to stick around past the deadline. Less than 48 hours to go!