For the third season in a row, the Chicago Bulls chose to remain silent and make no changes at the February trade deadline. Many fans believe the front office should not have been satisfied with the team’s present trend and should have shaken things up by making a deal. If recent rumors are to be believed, they could have done exactly that.
That’s because the Bulls reportedly had a deal in place to move Andre Drummond, but backed out in the last hours before the trade deadline. The Philadelphia 76ers were interested in signing the veteran big man to compensate for Joel Embiid’s extended absence, but it appears the Bulls chose to remain focused on competing for a playoff spot rather than making forward-thinking moves.According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the 76ers felt they had completed a trade to acquire Bulls big Andre Drummond when Chicago pulled out of talks hours before the deadline. “The Bulls wanted three second-round picks for Drummond, league sources said.””
In return, the Bulls would have received three future second-round picks. After the Memphis Grizzlies dealt Xavier Tillman for two second-round picks, it was clear that the Bulls would have to pay a little more for Drummond, the superior player.It may not sound like a large sum, but the Bulls must be prudent with their resources at this vital point. Any draft capital they could have gained at the trade deadline would have been extremely beneficial down the road as this team prepares for an uncertain future.Not dealing Andre Drummond when they had the opportunity could come back to haunt the Bulls.
Of course, not every second-round pick will become the next Nikola Jokic, but these picks continue to retain significant value for astute front offices. That statement is especially true given Chicago’s draft history. After all, the Bulls have already demonstrated that they can draft actual starter-caliber players in the second round by selecting Daniel Gafford and Ayo Dosunmu 38th overall in the 2019 and 2021 selections, respectively.Julian Phillips, the Bulls’ 35th selection in last year’s draft, should be able to achieve that same level; however, if he fails to do so, Chicago could be in trouble. That’s because the Bulls traded their 2026 and 2027 second-round picks for the young forward, putting an even deeper dent in their draft pick war chest after giving up their 2025 first-round pick to lure DeMar DeRozan to Chicago in 2021.Drummond has performed admirably for the Bulls this season, averaging 8.1 points and 8.6 rebounds in only 16.7 minutes per game. He rarely disappoints when he is called up to the starting lineup or given extended minutes. His success has solidified him as probably the top reserve big man in the NBA, which will likely increase his worth to other teams.
The Bulls were fortunate to have Drummond choose his player option this season, but with him ready to enter unrestricted free agency this summer, I doubt Chicago will be as lucky to acquire him for the veteran’s minimum again. Drummond is likely to favor a large salary over playing for a contending team, neither of which the Bulls can provide.
Drummond will most certainly play with another team next season, leaving the Bulls with nothing to show for their efforts. Losing these three future lottery picks isn’t the end of the world, but Karnisovas’ constantly poor decision-making should have Bulls supporters concerned about the team’s future.
Just Now: Has the Bulls missed their opportunity to acquire Andre Drummond?
