The Chicago Bulls are reportedly eyeing several potential trade targets this 2023 offseason, including P.J. Washington, Jakob Poetl, and Deni Avdija. While it might make sense for the team to consider resetting and protecting their top-four-protected pick owed to the Magic, there is nothing to suggest that the Bulls are ready to take this plunge.
Assuming Chicago is committed to their current nucleus, they should focus on adding size, versatility, and defense to their frontcourt. Washington, who can play either the 4 or 5, or Crowder, who can play between the 3 and 4, could be good fits. Avdija, who is primarily a 3 but can move up or down a spot, offers a blend of defense and playmaking, but he is the worst shooter of the three.
The Bulls should reopen communication lines for a trade involving Jakob Poeltl, whom they explored last season. Poeltl could be a much better fit for the team than their current center, Nikola Vučević. While Vučević might be a better scorer and shooter, his production gets limited due to his place behind DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in the offensive pecking order.
Poeltl, on the other hand, shines on defense as an elite paint protector and a capable switcher on the perimeter. Unlike Vučević, Poeltl's strengths would not be masked in Chicago, and he could help the team become a more formidable defensive unit.
Although the Bulls have been competitive this season, their frontcourt could still use some reinforcements, and targeting players like Washington, Crowder, Avdija, or Poeltl could help them achieve this goal. If the team decides to stay the course with their current roster, adding pieces that fit well with their existing talent could lead to more success in the future.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Bulls will pull the trigger on any of these potential trades or if they will continue to explore other options as they aim to take the next step in their rebuilding process.
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