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Scouts are eyeing potential trade targets in Chicago
The Chicago Bulls, who are 3-6 this season, are under heightened scrutiny as worries about the future of its star-studded nucleus of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic grow. NBA scouts are allegedly attending more Bulls games in anticipation of a possible trade scenario at the deadline.
"In talking to some people around the league, the scouts are jamming themselves into Bulls games because they realize that at some point, the Bulls may break this team up," Windhorst said. "And they're all gathering intelligence like, 'What's gonna happen with the Bulls?'"
Chicago Big 3 might disband
The spotlight is particularly on crucial players such as Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, has already been linked to trade negotiations, most notably with the Philadelphia 76ers following the trade of James Harden. DeRozan, who is in the final year of his deal, is allegedly in contract talks with the Bulls and is against rebuild.
"I think a lot of people who say that or suggest that really don't understand basketball at all, in my opinion," he said.
This move, while somewhat overdue, might result in significant gains for the Bulls, especially if they decide to part ways with key players such as them. For a few seasons, the franchise has languished in mediocrity, making the playoffs only once since 2018. The team's 40-42 record last season fueled cries for a rebuild.
The bulls might be reaching a crossroads
With a poor record and indications of a probable trade frenzy at the deadline, the Bulls may be at a crossroads. Significant adjustments are expected to restructure the team dynamics in Chicago if the negative trend continues. The team's poor record, along with negative differentials for important players, has fanned theories over its future.
As NBA scouts increase their presence at Bulls games, the franchise is at an impasse. The decision to keep the existing team together or to start anew will most likely be determined by the team's performance in the following weeks. The 3-6 start has heightened fears, and if the downward trend continues, trading dynamics in Chicago could undergo significant change.
