It’s that time of year, the NBA rumor mill running on full steam! Various trade scenarios are hashed out, the league’s most anticipated free agents are linked to even the most unsuspecting teams, and fans begin envisioning what their favorite draft-eligible prospect looks like on their favorite squad’s lineup.

NBA rumors often range from plausible to far-fetched to outright outlandish. Of course, the more offbeat rumors typically involve the league’s superstars, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose future, according to pretty much everyone but himself, is undetermined.

The Bulls have been rumored to covet RJ Barrett

However, for the Chicago Bulls, the rumor mill involves the likes of Lonzo Ball, Coby White, and Josh Giddey—and not much else. The Bulls’ lack of sheer star power ultimately dissuades most rumors. Yet, as prefaced, the rumor mill is running on full steam, and Chicago has been named as one of four potential suitors of Toronto Raptors’ guard RJ Barrett.

Certainly an unexpected player to hit the rumor mill. The Raptors traded for the Canadian-born guard alongside Immanuel Quickley, in exchange for coveted forward OG Anunoby in December 2023. Toronto has since acquired numerous draft picks and, most recently, former All-Star Brandon Ingram, to fast-forward a rebuild.

Barrett has played well for the Raptors, averaging 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 49.7 percent from the floor and 36.2 percent from long range—near-All-Star production from the 24-year-old shooting guard. Still, Barrett is an oft-forgotten name amongst the NBA’s best two-guards. Advanced statistics don’t paint Barrett as a quality contributor. However, it’s worth noting the subpar Raptors have been much better with the 6-foot-6 wing on the floor.

Toronto’s supposed interest in jettisoning Barrett is somewhat reasonable. The Raptors are loaded on the wing, with Scottie Barnes and Ingram set to earn a combined $76 million next season and locked in for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, recent draftees, Gradey Dick and Ja’Kobe Walter, are waiting in the wings.

The Raptors trading Barrett isn’t inconceivable

Barrett, a high-usage, relatively low-efficiency wing, isn’t a natural fit on Toronto’s roster. A lower usage, catch-and-shoot wing, such as Dick or Walter, makes an abundance more sense suiting up next to the prioritized due of Barnes and Ingram in the starting lineup.

In addition to Barrett’s questionable fit, his tolerable contract makes for a conceivable trade scenario. The Bulls aren’t necessarily the best fit for another off-guard (it can be argued that three of the Bulls’ best five players are off-guards). Nevertheless, Chicago is desperately in need of talent, especially on the wing, which Barrett supplies.

The Bulls are set with Coby White and Josh Giddey (barring an unexpected free agency decision) in the backcourt. Thus, Barrett would theoretically slide in between one of the two and Buzelis at small forward. Of course, to acquire Barrett, the Bulls must offer Toronto a preferred candidate alongside enough salary to satisfy financial requirements.

Barrett’s trade value is certainly in the eye of the beholder. As mentioned, he put up an impressive stat line, only matched by seven other players in the NBA. However, on the downside, he ranked 156th of 202 qualified players in true shooting percentage, averaged 3.2 turnovers per 36 minutes, and turned in a net-negative defensive performance.

Still, at only 24 years old with numerous high-impact seasons under his belt, Barrett is worth the risk. Chicago isn’t brimming with young talent or a vault of draft picks to tempt Toronto, but that’s okay. The Raptors might not even value a return. It’s a possibility that the franchise has its sights set on a well-rounded, deep roster instead of a hodgepodge of talent.

Chicago could finally ditch Patrick Williams’ bloated contract

Therefore, the Bulls could reasonably tempt Toronto with Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, and a future second-round pick in exchange for Barrett. Williams would back up Barnes and Ingram, while Dosunmu would take Barrett’s place in the starting lineup, or come off the bench for Dick or Walter.

Toronto would rid itself of the $56 million remaining on Barrett’s contract and the wonky lineup, involving three high-usage wing players. Acquiring both Williams and Dosunmu is far from awe-inspiring. Williams has severely underperformed, while Dosunmu is a solid glue-guy. Yet, a second-rounder (or multiple) is the cherry on top.

For the Bulls, this trade is a win-win, even if Barrett fails to continue performing at a near-All-Star level. Ridding themselves of Williams’ bloated contract is crucial. The Bulls owe Williams $72 million over the next four seasons. The ill-advised pact should never have been offered to the former fourth-overall pick. Nevertheless, hindsight is 20/20, and Chicago must live with its mistakes.

That is, unless a willing trade partner is uncovered, such as Toronto. There’s no validity to the Raptors’ supposed interest in shopping Barrett, but it’s not beyond belief. If such a rumor does ring true, and Chicago does, in fact, covet Barrett, including Williams in said trade would be an ingenious play.