The Chicago Bulls have been linked with many NBA trade rumors this season and they are expected to be active at the trade deadline February 23. Two more Bulls players are being shopped by the front office hoping to find a future first-round pick.
According to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders, the Bulls are looking to acquire a first-round pick and they are willing to let go of either Robin Lopez or Doug McDermott. The two players join Rajon Rondo and Nikola Mirotic on the team's trading block.
Lopez is in his first season in Chicago after getting traded by the New York Knicks this offseason as part of the Derrick Rose deal. He is averaging 9.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game this season. He is also under contract for two more seasons worth $28.2 million.
On the other hand, McDermott was the Bulls' first-round pick in 2014 and he has been primarily used as a shooter off the bench. He is putting up 9.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in his third year in the NBA while shooting 38.1 percent from threes.
The only problem for the Bulls is they are looking for a first-round pick for either player. McDermott is clearly not worth it for any team to let go of a precious first rounder while Lopez has more value. Nevertheless, the Bulls are expected to be in selling mode at the trade deadline, per CSN Chicago.
NBA trade rumors have also linked the Bulls to Jahlil Okafor, who was the third overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015. He is a capable scorer in the post but he is not a good rebounder or defender despite his size.
However, the Bulls have to let go of Lopez or McDermott plus a first-round pick to acquire Okafor. The New Orleans Pelicans have discussed the possibility of trade Alex Ajinca and a future first rounder to Philly for Okafor, as reported by Marc J. Spears of ESPN.
There is a big chance that Chicago could use the pick from a possible Lopez or McDermott trade to acquire Okafor. The Bulls already have two first-round picks in this year's draft but one is top-10 protected.
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