Big Changes Bulls Must Make If They Miss NBA Playoffs

For reasons known only to them, the Chicago Bulls let the 2023 NBA trade deadline pass without making a deal.

The reward for their inactivity? A 5-8 record ever since—entering Wednesday—and the very real possibility they won't even crack the play-in tournament field.

Ouch.

Whatever belief this front office has in this core must be shaken. Even hope for summer reinforcements are fleeting, since the first-round pick the Bulls owe the Orlando Magic only has top-four protection on it.

Double ouch.

If the Bulls fall short of the postseason, what direction should they turn this offseason? Well, the following three changes feel like a must to get things turned around.

Let Nikola Vučević Walk

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 24: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls is defended by Day'Ron Sharpe #20 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at United Center on February 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Nikola Vučević is 32 years old and playing on the final season of his current contract. That's what made him such a logical trade candidate this swap season—well, to everyone but the Bulls, apparently.

Publicly, Chicago has committed to bringing back Vučević this summer. But why? He's a good player, sure, and he's been good this season—17.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per night–but it hasn't been good enough to change the Bulls' fate. That's because they have problems that he can't fix.

This roster isn't ready to compete at a high level. How will that change during whatever is left of his prime? It won't. The offense is a mess, and the defense seems capable of melting down at any moment since the top three players (Vučević, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine) all do their best work on the offensive end.

The Bulls seem overdue for either a complete overhaul or at least a substantial reset. Neither plan should allow for a new agreement with Vučević.

Deal DeMar DeRozan for Long-Term Assets

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on March 11, 2023 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

A win-now team could squeeze an awful lot of mileage out of DeMar DeRozan.

The 33-year-old is apparently aging like fine wine. His two seasons in Chicago have both landed in his top three for scoring and field-goal shooting. They've also produced two of his five highest assist averages. He is a top-shelf offensive talent in this league, and he can deliver in the clutch.

Good teams can use a player like that. The Bulls are not a good team, though.

If Chicago moves on from Vučević this summer, it should also be prepared to cut ties with DeRozan. Unlike Vučević, DeRozan still has a season left on his contract, meaning Chicago can shop him for future assets instead of losing him for nothing. The Bulls need a serious injection of talent over the coming years, and flipping DeRozan for draft picks, prospects or a combination of the two is the best path to finding that.

Figure out the Plan at Point Guard

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 13: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at United Center on January 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lonzo Ball suffered a meniscus tear and bone bruise in January 2022. He hasn't suited up for Chicago since.

What he has done, though, is had his left knee operated on twice during this absence. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Ball might need a third surgery on the knee that would likely "require another six months of recovery and rehabilitation." And keep in mind, those timelines are always fluid. When Ball first hurt the knee, the expectation was he would only be sidelined six-to-eight weeks.

Regardless of how badly the Bulls want—and need—him back, they can't possibly count on him for anything at this point. They should prepare for a future without him, and if he ever makes it back to the hardwood, they can consider that an added bonus.

Before Chicago can cement its plans at point guard, the franchise must choose a direction first. If the Bulls opt for the long game, then re-signing Coby White makes sense, as does furthering the development of Dalen Terry. They could let Patrick Beverly bounce in free agency and would probably need to at least gauge the trade value of Alex Caruso.

If they plan to keep pushing with this nucleus, then White might be out of the picture and Terry could conceivably be shopped around for more immediate help. But if they're trying to win, they need to carve out a successful path that doesn't depend on Ball's return, because who knows when—or, gulp, if—that's happening.