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 Open for Business: Trade Deadline Strategies and Player Futures
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly open for business as the trade deadline approaches, but what does that really mean for the team? While some franchises like the Brooklyn Nets are fully committed to bottoming out and accumulating assets, the Bulls are unlikely to take such an extreme approach.
As an organization, Chicago has shown no appetite for a complete teardown. Artūras Karnišovas, coming from his time with the Denver Nuggets, has demonstrated a preference for maintaining a competitive roster rather than tanking. This means the Bulls will likely be selective sellers rather than conducting a fire sale.
Recent reports suggest that while a Zach LaVine trade seems unlikely due to his contract and perceived value, the team may be more open to moving Lonzo Ball and Nikola Vucevic. There have been meaningful discussions with at least two teams regarding Vucevic, with the Golden State Warriors rumored to be one of the interested parties.
The Bulls are reportedly seeking a first-round pick for Vucevic, which may be a fair ask given his consistent production, even if his defense leaves something to be desired. However, finding the right trade partner willing to meet that price could prove challenging.
Looking ahead, the futures of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu present an interesting dilemma for the Bulls. A new clause in the CBA limits contract extensions to 140% of a player’s current salary unless the team has sufficient cap space. This could make it difficult for Chicago to retain both players long-term without significant roster maneuvering.
The financial constraints facing the Bulls are largely self-inflicted, resulting from a series of questionable decisions by the front office. These missteps have not only limited the team’s flexibility but also potentially forced them into a position where they may have to part ways with young talent they’d prefer to keep.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Bulls find themselves in a precarious position. They’re neither true contenders nor committed to a full rebuild, leaving them in a difficult middle ground. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the franchise and whether they can navigate their way out of this self-imposed predicament.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bulls’ trade deadline strategies, tune into the Locked On Bulls podcast for this and much more.
A midseason report for seasons to come: part three
Jan 9, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. | Rick Osentoski/Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
I’m far from being an insider (mostly I like sleep too much, and those guys never do), but there’s information you glean just from being proximal to the game. There are trends in questions and answers from coaches and players, plus recurring conversations with fellow media, team staff, scouts and agents. When alongside the pulse of NBA basketball, you pick up its reverberations.
One big, undeniable beat I’ve picked up on this season is the growing awareness that vey soon we’re going to start losing perennial stars. I say “we” and not only the league because the realization really does feel collective. Case in point, when the topic of the Warriors dynasty drawing to a slow, potentially quiet close comes up, it’s never solely in relation to the team.
The decline of Golden State is always held alongside the state of the league as a whole, either what it means for competition or in broader strokes, how the mechanics of the game itself will change without a dominant Steph Curry. And that detail is never explicitly mentioned. Even the most primetime of pundits have a reticence to predict when we’ll see the last of Curry, as if giving it consideration is a kind of jinx.
The counter to that is LeBron James, who cannot be discussed enough in relation to his retirement, but that endless guessing feels safe because James has proved prediction wrong so many times in what were meant to be his quieting seasons.
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
Injury Lonzo Ball is not looking for apologies or answers regarding his future with the Chicago Bulls, as his focus remains on recovery from his ongoing knee issues. Lonzo’s journey continues to be a significant concern for the team. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Analysis Zach LaVine’s performance and offensive approach were key takeaways from the latest game, indicating both strengths and areas for potential growth. The team’s dynamics with LaVine in the spotlight continue to evolve. LaVine’s impact is crucial for the Bulls’ strategy. (Chicago Tribune)
Preview Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis is set to participate in the upcoming NBA Slam Dunk Contest, showcasing his athleticism and potential in a highly anticipated event. Buzelis’ debut in the contest promises excitement for Bulls fans. (Chicago Tribune)
Rumor A three-team trade idea involving Julius Randle, the Golden State Warriors, and the Chicago Bulls has surfaced, potentially shaking up the roster and team dynamics. Trade speculation is heating up as the deadline approaches. (Bleacher Report)
Rumor A realistic trade scenario for Zach LaVine has been outlined, suggesting potential moves that might align with the Bulls’ long-term strategy and team needs. LaVine trade rumors continue to generate buzz among fans and analysts. (Bleacher Report)
Biz Jalen Green becomes the face of his longtime favorite brand, Stone Island. (High Snobriety)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Five NBA Players to Buy Low in Fantasy Basketball
Jan 20, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) stands on the court after meeting with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) before the start of the game at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson/Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, it’s time to reassess our fantasy basketball strategies. Today, I’m sharing insights on five players who are prime candidates for “buy low” opportunities in your leagues.
Paolo Banchero tops our list. The Orlando Magic forward is currently the 79th ranked player, well below his potential. His shooting percentages are down, and he’s only averaging 21 points per game since returning from injury. However, I believe Banchero is a top 40 player in points leagues and has room for significant improvement. Don’t be fooled by his current struggles – this is an excellent time to acquire him at a discount.
Next up is Evan Mobley. The Cleveland Cavaliers big man is dealing with a calf strain, which has impacted his recent performance. His defensive stats and usage are down, but this presents a perfect buy-low scenario. Mobley is a third-round talent you might be able to snag for a fourth-round price. While there’s some injury risk, the potential reward outweighs it.
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.
