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The proposed trade would send RJ Barrett to the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls roster is a team that could use an additional boost in athleticism. Having an explosive scorer who can attack off the catch, pressure the defense when cutting, while also offering a scoring threat off the catch would be ideal.
In a recent mock trade from “Fantasy on SI,” Mark Morales-Smith has proposed a deal that would land RJ Barrett with the Bulls. The cost of doing business would be headlined by moving on from Patrick Williams.
The full trade would look like this:
Bulls receive: RJ Barrett
Toronto Raptors receive: Patrick Williams, Jevon Carter and a future first-round pick
“The Bulls add Barrett, who would immediately step in and be one of their best players. He’s a huge offensive upgrade over both Williams and Carter,” Morales-Smith wrote. “While somehow adding a superstar is always the ideal outcome, Barrett is a player who could help this team make a big jump in a wide-open Eastern Conference.”
Barrett, a former top-three draft pick, played in 58 games for the Raptors last season. He averages 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game, shooting 46.8% from the field and 35% from deep.
Bulls’ Matas Buzelis is Drawing Praise
Regardless of whether the Bulls find a way to land a wing scorer like Barrett, the Bulls must ensure that sophomore forward Matas Buzelis continues to get minutes as a starter. During a recent episode of “The Chicago Lead” via Chicago Sports Network, former NBA wing Kendall Gill spoke glowingly of what Buzelis brings to the table.
“You look for guys that display that ultimate confidence in himself,” Gill said. “I mean, he believes in himself. He wants to be out on the floor, wants to guard the best player, wants to be the best defender on the floor…He’s 6-foot-10, athletic, guards the rim, can guard three or four different positions…He’s a highlight waiting to happen each and every night. That’s why I love this kid. I know I got some pushback on the Cooper Flagg, Matas Buzelis comparison, but hey, I planted my flag on it.”
Buzelis has proven himself to be one of the Bulls’ top young prospects. If he continues to develop his game, he could emerge as a future star for the franchise. As such, Chicago will likely commit whatever resources are necessary to helping his overall development.
Buzelis Could Become The Face of The Chicago Bulls
On July 2, Bulls insider K.C. Johnson explained why he believes Buzelis could develop into the future face of the Bulls franchise.
“One takeaway I want to add about the draft, have you seen the Bulls’ social media account? Who’s been marching (the rookies) around? Matas Buzelis,” Johnson said. “He is becoming the face of the franchise. This is no knock on Josh Giddey or Coby White who obviously are much more accomplished at the NBA level. But Matas obviously being based here and becoming very media friendly… he’s been marching these guys around and participating quite a bit in the social media aspect. That’s the future right there.”
If the Bulls were to acquire Barrett, a potential lineup that would still feature Buzelis could be: Josh Giddey, Barrett, Buzelis, Noa Essengue and Nikola Vucevic. While that lineup would be rather big and inexperienced, it would have scoring, playmaking and athleticism in bunches. Therefore, the Bulls would have a platform to build on moving forward.
Of course, it’s highly unlikely the Raptors would be willing to part with Barrett. But, if they were, he would certainly fit well with what the Bulls are trying to build.
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
