The Chicago Bulls had one of their best offseason results, signing DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso to complement their current core lineup. In addition, Patrick Williams was an integral part of their first line-up because of his defensive ability and excellent jump shots. The fourth-picker of last year's draft missed the rest of the season due to a left wrist misalignment.
The Bulls' outside defense is already a question mark, as DeRozan and Zach Lavin's defensive prowess isn't well known. Williams' nightly task is to defend the opposing side's best winger, but now his absence has created a huge gap in their winger position. With these, the Bulls could execute three trades to ease Patrick Williams' absence.
After Patrick Williams was injured, the Bulls made three trades
The Chicago Bulls, with Patrick Williams injured, contacted the Pelicans to find Josh Hart
With Caruso and Ball already on the Bulls, getting Josh Hart from the New Orleans Pelicans would greatly improve their defensive lineup under head coach Billy Donovan. He recently renewed his contract with the Pelicans, but he only played reserves in New Orleans. There were also several outbursts when Hart contributed at both ends of the court with a precise three-pointer and flank speed.
Bulls have already exceeded the wage cap, so they can't add a higher level of wage cap. Handing derrick Jones Jr. or Troy Brown Jr. along with the other 1-2 players they wanted to New Orleans was a fair deal for the Pelicans and Bulls. Hart's salary for the 2021-22 season is $12 million, which still fits Chicago's roster. With Hart getting limited playing time in rebuilding the team, his service will be put to more use when the Bulls need some wing depth.
Get Robert Covington or Larry Nance from the Trail Blazers
Due to the lack of salary space, the Bulls' options in bringing in wingers have been limited. As the Portland Trail Blazers struggle to start their own campaign, Chicago may try to find a deal for them to get Robert Covington or Larry Nance. Their salaries won't make the Bulls pay a lot of taxes for giving Brown Jr. or Jones Jr. to Portland as well.
Covington and Nance are two outstanding defenders who can defend any player from small forwards to centre points. In addition, their performance in Portland did not meet expectations, so the buying opportunity for Arturas Karnisovas was low. Covington will try too many wing-ups and corner kicks in Chicago's offense, while Nance has a steady mid-game and extraordinary high-flying ability. The Blazers won't go any further in the playoffs, which could increase their chances of trading with the Chicago Bulls.
Trade walkers on either side of the wing
The Indiana Pacers are usually a team that keeps making the playoffs, but they can't make a sound at that stage. With their flank lineup changing, the Bulls could contact Indiana and try to secure a spot, such as Justin Holliday or Jeremy Lamb. The Pacers are still awaiting the return of Karis Levitt and T. J Warren, while rookie Chris Duarte has been played by new head coach Rick Carlisle for more than 30 minutes.
Lamb's contract is about to expire and he has yet to rekindle his best days in the NBA after suffering a terrible anterior cruciate ligament injury. Donovan could find a place for him in Chicago's second-team lineup, while also making it a responsibility for him to strengthen his defensive ability.
Holliday, on the other hand, has a friendly contract with the team because he's only paid around $6 million for the next two years. He can play any winger position with his all-round technique, offense and defense. He doesn't turn the ball too much, and he has amazing outside shots, which are crucial in an attack surrounded by LaVine and DeRozan.
With a stunning 4-1 start, the Bulls' next game will be against the strongest teams in the playoffs, which will test their courage. Williams' absence would be difficult for Chicago to fill, but getting a few wingers before the trade deadline could strengthen their defense and second-team.