Bulls' Most Realistic Trade Targets in 2024 Offseason

The 2024 NBA offseason looms as the latest fork in the road for the Chicago Bulls.

With DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams (restricted) heading into free agency, and Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso making regular appearances on the trade-machine circuit, there is clearly a scenario in which the front office finally heeds all of the longstanding external calls to tear down this team. Or the Bulls could lean into that oft-cited definition of insanity and keep doing the same thing while expecting different results.

Given how these decision-makers have handled recent deadlines and offseasons, status quo is probably a safe bet.

If the Bulls bank on another round of continuity—at least with everyone other than LaVine—they'll still want to explore ways of upgrading their supporting cast. The following three players could help make that happen.

Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 1: Dorian Finney-Smith #28 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on April 1, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Regardless what happens with Williams' free agency, the Bulls should be on the lookout for another three-and-D wing.

Dorian Finney-Smith is one of the better options on the theoretical trade big board.

His three-point percentage has dipped the past two seasons (34.3 percent), but his 2023 deadline deal to Brooklyn meant the quality of shot-creators around him did, too. If he had some more prolific offensive threats—like, say, DeRozan and Coby White—maybe his perimeter percentage would perk back up. Over Finney-Smith's final two full seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, he averaged 2.1 three-pointers with a 39.5 percent splash rate.

If his three-ball falls anywhere near that rate, he is a legitimate two-way asset given how much value he brings to the defensive end. There, he ranks favorably among the Association's most versatile stoppers with the speed to stay in front of guards and the strength to bang with bigs.

Kevin Huerter, Sacramento Kings

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SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 16: Kevin Huerter #9 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on March 16, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Bulls ranked 27th in three-pointers made this season, and that was actually their highest finish in three years. Their need for better spacing is longstanding and significant.

That's what could lead them toward Kevin Huerter, a career 38.2 percent three-point shooter. While he just posted the worst perimeter percentage of his career (36.1), that could be a blessing in disguise for the Bulls if it brings down his trade cost.

For the right price, the 6'7" marksman could be a really good get for Chicago, especially if it lets go of LaVine. Huerter offers the right blend of volume and efficiency to demand constant attention from opposing defenses, meaning his mere court presence would help widen attack lanes for White and DeRozan.

If Chicago is adding players this offseason, Huerter is the right type to target. Beyond filling a need as a shooter, he is polished enough to make an immediate impact but also young enough (25) to grow with this core should the Bulls ever shift the franchise's focus further into the future.

Jalen Smith, Indiana Pacers

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Jalen Smith #25 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against Ayo Dosunmu #12 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2024 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

With Andre Drummond entering unrestricted free agency, the Bulls could be in the market for a new backup big man. They just might find one without having to look outside of the Central Division.

Jalen Smith's stint in the Circle City has been nothing short of a career-saver. He landed in Indianapolis at the 2022 trade deadline looking like a fading prospect and, honestly, a wasted pick as the 10th overall selection in the 2020 draft. With the Pacers, though, he's flashed the unique blend of shooting and shot-blocking that initially made him a coveted prospect.

Why, then, might the Pacers consider giving him up? Because they have more capable bigs than they can play. Assuming they re-sign Pascal Siakam, their starting frontcourt spots are spoken for by him and Myles Turner. Behind that tandem, they have Isaiah Jackson, 2023 lottery pick Jarace Walker and Smith, not to mention Obi Toppin if he re-signs.

The numbers crunch already impacted Smith, who just engineered his best shooting season to date (59.2 percent overall, 42.4 percent from three) and still saw his minutes trimmed (from 18.8 to 17.2). Floor time could be even harder to come by if Indy expands Walker's role. Smith, in other words, could easily be deemed expendable, and if he is, Chicago should be all over him. Beyond adding frontcourt depth, he'd check a few helpful boxes with his paint protection and ability to space the floor from the center spot.