NBA Trade Rumors: What Kyle Korver to Portland Means to Chicago Bulls

Trade rumors are swirling as the Chicago Bulls could let go of one of their weapons.

ESPN.com reported the trade would be a three-team deal between the Bulls, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

It involves the Timberwolves’ quest to sign free-agent forward Nicolas Batum. The Bulls would be the third team in the deal, giving Korver to the Blazers and receiving a second-round draft pick from Minnesota.

Minnesota would get Batum, and Portland would get Korver. However, Portland intends to keep Batum and match the Timberwolves’ offer. Batum reportedly wants to play for Minnesota. If they are unable to, the trade might be back on.

If Korver goes to the Blazers, the forward could play a pivotal role for them.

The forward averaged 8.1 points per game. While it wasn’t his career best, it shows the 30-year-old forward can still be useful off the bench.

If the Bulls trade Korver, the loss might be detrimental to their team. They already could lose Derrick Rose for next season with a torn ACL in his left knee. The Bulls need all the help they can get. This trade sounds like they are rebuilding.

The Bulls picked up Kirk Hinrich for a two-year contract and have not picked up the options of guards C.J. Watson and Ronnie Brewer. Trading Korver wouldn’t benefit an already short-handed Bulls team. Who knows where the Bulls are headed this season with Rose possibly missing all of next season? They cannot afford to lose any more veterans.

Chicago dominated a tough Central Division last season. Without their core nucleus intact, they wouldn’t be able to compete. Their division is up for grabs. It’s why the Bulls need to keep their players together to make a run. Getting rid of Korver shows the opposite.

The Blazers would be better with Korver’s experience off the bench. The Bulls would be worse without their three-point weapon.  

If the Bulls trade Korver, they will regret it.

*Stats are from basketball-reference.com