Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Derik Queen could be drafted by the Chicago Bulls

Nikola Vucevic is entering the final year of his current deal with the Chicago Bulls. The veteran big man could be traded this summer or allowed to leave via free agency next year.

Therefore, the Bulls are likely on the lookout for a long-term solution at the center position. In Jonathan Givony’s latest mock draft for ESPN, he predicts that Chicago will draft Derik Queen out of Maryland. Queen is a high-level big man prospect who could emerge as a legitimate replacement for Vucevic.

“The Bulls don’t have much in the way of long-term keepers in the big-man department, with Nikola Vucevic, 35, a trade candidate entering the final year of his contract,” Givony wrote. “Queen, Joan Beringer, and Thomas Sorber are said to be among the prospects they might consider with this pick at No. 12. Queen is the most skilled big man in this class. He is a terrific target in pick-and-roll, can create his own shot facing the basket with a wide array of moves and has intriguing passing ability.”

Queen would slot perfectly into the Bulls’ young core. He would give Josh Giddey a long-term pick-and-roll partner and could easily develop into a reliable starting-caliber big man at the NBA level. There are, of course, concerns regarding his defense and scoring ability.

Bulls Have Some Tough Choices to Make

Outside of searching for a long-term solution to Vucevic, the Bulls also have some tough decisons to make regarding their guard rotation. In a recent discussion on the “Chicago Lead,” K.C. Johnson shared his thoughts on the Bulls’ upcoming roster decisions regarding Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.

“From my seat they’ve got to try to look to trade either Ayo [Dosunmu] or Coby [White],” Johnson said. “I think it will be very hard to re-sign both of them after next year when they both hit unrestricted free agency. You’ve got to get out in front of things like that…And, you’ve got to make these hard decisions, because you’re not going to be re-signing Josh Giddey this summer, and Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White after next summer. I just don’t see that.”

Chicago is likely to move on from at least one of those guards. White has the higher trade value. However, he’s also been the franchise’s best player over the last two years. The front office will have to weigh his value against his production when deciding how to move forward.

Bulls Also Have a Lonzo Ball Decision to Make

Lonzo Ball inked a two-year $20 million contract extension last season. Yet, there’s still a chance he could be moved this summer. There is a team option on the second year of Ball’s new contract, which makes him a valuable trade chip.

The Athletic’s Jovan Buha recently explored the notion of the Los Angeles Lakers bringing Ball back to his hometown. The discussion occured via his “Buha’s Block” podcast, and was in response to a question regarding a potential Ball return to Los Angeles.

“I do, I think they would be,” Buha said. “It’s just a matter of what his price is and you have to factor in his health and the history there… you can’t even pencil him in for 60 games.”

Being a rebuilding team means accepting that situations are fluid. Players will come and go, as you look to settle on a rotation that fits the vision for the future. Ball could be part of that churn, assuming a team makes a viable trade offer.

Chicago could enjoy a busy summer. Bulls fans will likely be hoping for some clarity by the time the new season rolls around.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor