Bulls' Biggest Needs at 2024 NBA Trade Deadline

The Chicago Bulls felt like they might demolish their roster ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.

A recent run of success could send them the other way, though.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that while the Bulls continue shopping former All-Star guard Zach LaVine, they "are not...looking to ship out multiple veterans and enter into a full-fledged rebuild." They're also considering "using Lonzo Ball's insurance-covered contract in a trade to add talent."

If Chicago isn't breaking this nucleus apart, then it needs to seriously strengthen the roster around it. Let's identify three items on the Bulls' wish list for trade season.

Shot-Making

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TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Zach LaVine #8 and Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls look on against the Toronto Raptors during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)

Credit coach Billy Donovan for eliciting competent defensive play out of this offense-leaning roster. However, a team with this much on-paper offensive firepower shouldn't be 24th in offensive efficiency, per NBA.com.

This attack has underwhelmed in myriad ways, but it's biggest struggle might be the simplest. It isn't making enough shots.

The Bulls have bottom-third connection rates from the field (45.4 percent, 28th) and from three (35.7, 21st). Even their free-throw shooting hasn't been great (78.8, 14th).

Chicago can't keep leaving this many points on the board. Not to mention, the added spacing could help this offense perform closer to expectations.

Table-Setting

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 2: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls talks to Coby White #0 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on January 2, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 110-97. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Bulls have noticeably lacked a two-way connector since first losing Lonzo Ball to a knee injury in Jan. 2022.

None of their attempts to fill that void have panned out.

Coby White has shown exponential growth this season, but he's more of a natural scorer than distributor. Ayo Dosunmu and Alex Caruso can't consistently create for others. DeMar DeRozan might be the team's best passer, but since he's also its top scorer, he needs to dial his own number early and often.

Collectively, the Bulls average just 23.7 assists per game. Only the post-Damian Lillard Portland Trail Blazers tally fewer.

Long-Term Assets

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 02: Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas of the Chicago Bulls looks on as head coach Billy Donovan answers questions from reporters during Media Day at Advocate Center on October 02, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Bulls have looked legitimately good over the past month-plus.

Since wobbling to a 5-14 start, they've gone 13-7. They've knocked off plenty of tough opponents in the process, too, like the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers (twice).

None of this changes what we know about this team. It's not a title contender, nor is it on track to become one down the line. The talent pool isn't deep enough. They don't have enough shooting, defense or dime-dropping to make any kind of serious push in the playoffs.

They might be hesitant to rebuild, but a rebuild still feels inevitable at some point. Even if wholesale changes aren't coming ahead of the deadline, they have to at least find a way to move LaVine for some long-term assets.