The Chicago Bulls recently concluded another mediocre season, finishing with a loss to the Miami Heat in the NBA play-in tournament. The game started well for the Bulls as they took an 11-6 lead, but Miami quickly took control and won 112-91. The Heat subsequently lost to the Boston Celtics, who moved on to the NBA Finals.
After initially going up 11-6, the Bulls struggled to maintain momentum, surrendering a significant run to go down by 20 points in the second quarter. Chicago made a comeback attempt and narrowed the gap to a seven-point deficit in the third quarter, but the Heat regained control and cruised to a blowout win.
The Bulls finished the regular season with a 39-43 record. They secured a win against the Atlanta Hawks in the play-in tournament but failed to make it to the playoffs. This left them just one win away from the postseason, and a victory in Miami would have secured their spot, but they ultimately fell short.
With the season now behind them, the Bulls are considering changes this offseason to address their underperformance. A key focus is the NBA Draft, where they currently hold the 11th pick. Chicago may explore trading to secure a higher draft pick. A potential target could be G League Ignite player Matas Buzelis, whom the Bulls have shown interest in.
ClutchPoints NBA expert Brett Siegel proposed a potential trade scenario: the Bulls trade G Dalen Terry, the 11th pick, a future first-round pick (top-5 protected) in 2027, and a second-round pick in 2029 to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for the fourth overall pick. Siegel believes this move would allow the Bulls to secure Matas Buzelis, whom they have prioritized on their draft board.
Trade Grade: A-
This trade could be beneficial for the Bulls. It shows the front office is serious about improving the team and making a strong impact on the fan base. The loss of Dalen Terry, who saw limited playing time and averaged just 3.1 PPG, and draft picks would be worthwhile to acquire Matas Buzelis, who could make a significant contribution.
Overall, this potential trade is a step in the right direction for the Bulls and signifies their commitment to bettering the team for the future.