Cordaro Johnson (Haize) here, the host of the daily Locked On Bulls podcast, with your daily Locked On Bulls newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bulls and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Bulls Fans Balk at Pelicans’ Proposed Trade for Zach LaVine
Jan 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) brings the ball up court against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The NBA trade rumor mill is churning, and the Chicago Bulls find themselves at the center of speculation once again. A recent proposal from the New Orleans Pelicans has raised eyebrows among Bulls faithful, suggesting a trade that would send Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball to the Big Easy in exchange for Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum.
At first glance, this trade might seem like a solution for both teams’ salary cap woes. The Pelicans are looking to duck under the luxury tax, while the Bulls could potentially clear some long-term salary commitments. However, the deal falls short in several key areas from Chicago’s perspective.
Matt York
The most glaring issue is the lack of draft picks coming back to the Bulls. In today’s NBA, draft capital is king, especially for a team that might be considering a rebuild. Trading away LaVine, arguably the Bulls’ best asset, without securing future picks is a non-starter.
Moreover, the proposed trade doesn’t address the Bulls’ long-term goals. While Ingram is a talented player, he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. McCollum, though a proven scorer, doesn’t move the needle enough to justify parting with LaVine.
This trade proposal highlights a larger issue plaguing the Bulls: the perception that they can be fleeced in deals. The front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, must shoulder some blame for this. Their past moves have created an environment where other teams feel they can lowball Chicago in trade negotiations.
Looking ahead, the Bulls have a crucial stretch of games that could define their season. With matchups against several sub-.500 teams on the horizon, Chicago has an opportunity to build momentum and potentially shift their trajectory before the trade deadline.
For more insights and a deeper dive into potential trades and the Bulls’ upcoming schedule, tune into the Locked On Bulls podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bulls Podcast:
• Matas Buzelis’ surprising impact on rim protection
• The importance of the next four games for Chicago’s season outlook
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read Zach LaVine is having the best season of his career. So why does it seem like no one is paying attention? (Chicago Tribune)
Rumor With the trade deadline fast approaching, Yahoo! Sports looks at three trades that have to happen. One of those deals includes the Bulls.
Preview The Bulls host the Pelicans tonight at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis TheDetroit Pistons are emerging as a serious surprise story this season. (TSN)
Biz Explosive court documents show co-conspirators and other shocking details in Jontay Porter’s ongoing betting scandal. (The Athletic)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bulls podcasts.
The Chicago Bulls Want To Be Sellers At The Deadline.. So What’s Stopping Them? Explore the intricate dynamics of the Bulls’ roster management, including the challenges of retaining talents like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu under the new CBA rules. Haize examines the front office’s past decisions, comparing the Bulls’ situation to more successful franchises like the Miami Heat and New York Knicks.
Zach LaVine’s Historic Night Propels Bulls to Victory Over Clippers Hosts Haize and Pat explore LaVine’s place in Bulls history, debating his status as one of the team’s top scorers alongside legends like Michael Jordan. They also discuss Matas Buzelis’ entry into the NBA dunk contest and touch on the evolving dynamics of race in sports.
From Derrick Rose Night to Rock Bottom: The Bulls’ Freefall Haize and Pat dissect the team’s defensive lapses and coaching challenges, questioning whether talent alone can carry them through the NBA season. The conversation also explores potential roster changes and the implications of keeping veterans during a rebuild.
