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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 05: Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the second half of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls traded Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 28. They are expected to stay active in the trade market. Chicago will likely look for high-upside young talent to slot into its rebuilding efforts.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Bulls could look toward Anfernee Simons of the Boston Celtics. The Boston Celtics recently acquired Simons in a deal that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Still, the Celtics remain above the first apron and are continuing to search the trade market for other possible moves, which could include relocating either Anfernee Simons or Georges Niang,” Siegel reported. “…After trading Lonzo Ball on Saturday and continuing to field calls about Coby White, the Chicago Bulls may need a new guard next to Josh Giddey, who the team intends to re-sign in free agency.”
Siegel continued.
“The Bulls like to play fast and shoot a lot of threes, which would fit Simons’ style of play perfectly. More importantly, from Boston’s point of view, Nikola Vucevic is a veteran big man who would make a lot of sense as a one-year replacement for Porzingis.”
Simons would quickly become a key member of Billy Donovan’s roster. He’s a high-level perimeter shooter, can score off the bounce and pressure the rim when needed. However, he will hit unrestricted free agency next summer and could command a higher salary than Coby White, who Simons would likely replace if acquired.
Bulls Could Trade Patrick Williams
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times recently reported that Patrick Williams could emerge as a trade candidate for the Bulls.
“According to a source, the Bulls and Karnisovas have been more responsive to trade talks than they have been in the past,” Cowley reported. “And while Ball, Vucevic and White are all possibilities to be moved, the name atop Karnisovas’ list to deal entering the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday is Patrick Williams.”
Cowley continued.
“The Bulls have reached the point where they’ve run through most of their developmental staff in an effort to pair Williams with the right personal coach, only to see no upward movement,” Cowley continued. “Considering Karnisovas made a desperate attempt to motivate Williams with the security of a five-year, $90 million contract extension last summer, the only way he knows he can trade him is in a package or part of a multiteam deal.”
Williams has struggled to secure a spot within Donovan’s rotation over the past 12 months. Furthermore, he hasn’t progressed into the star-level talent the front office had hoped for. Moving on from Williams could give both sides a fresh start.
Bulls Could Target Bradley Beal
According to Jake Weinbach, the Bulls could register their interest in Bradley Beal if he becomes available this summer.
“The Bulls are a potential landing spot for Bradley Beal as the Suns actively explore avenues to part ways with the 3x All-Star,” Weinbach wrote on X. “Beal does have a no-trade clause in his contract, but Phoenix is reportedly preparing to offload the veteran guard whether that’s through trade or a record-breaking buyout this offseason.”
Simons would likely be the more logical target for Chicago. He is considerably younger than Beal and would fit the team’s current timeline. Still, if Beal is more cost-effective to acquire, then you can’t rule out the Bulls being in the mix.
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
