The Chicago Bulls wish they could have acquired this versatile forward at the trade deadline

It was another blown opportunity for the Bulls.

© Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

As the Chicago Bulls front office has shown over the last three seasons, they are keen on keeping the status quo for the sake of remaining competitive for as long as possible. However, provided the team has a sudden change of heart this offseason, perhaps they could revisit this trade idea by Bleacher Report’s Zach LaVine that would net them a versatile forward from the Atlanta Hawks who needs a change in scenery.

Bulls need a “3-and-D” guy

While the Bulls have fantastic scorers and playmakers, they lack a solid, reliable “3-and-D” guy who could complement DeMar DeRozan and Coby White's play. Chicago would send Patrick Williams, Jevon Carter, and Dalen Terry to the Hawks for De'Andre Hunter in this trade proposal.

“Chicago needs a three-and-D forward, and Hunter can handle that. Granted, there isn't much more to his game, which makes his four-year, $90 million deal appear as an overpay, but the Bulls could get a serviceable starter without parting with a prime asset,” Buckley explained.

Hunter has been riddled with injuries this season, limiting him to only 37 games. He’s averaging 15.4 points on 48 percent shooting and 3.8 rebounds in 28 minutes per game. However, the emergence of young forward and Most Improved Player candidate Jalen Johnson this season casts a big shadow over Hunter’s future with the Hawks.

DE'ANDRE HUNTER HAS ALL OF YOUR DUNKS pic.twitter.com/6JhP1aKF9m

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) March 6, 2024

Williams apparently, isn’t it

While some may argue that the team already has Williams, the Bulls’ fourth pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, there are obvious signs that the former Florida State star may not be the answer at the four. While he has shown flashes of potential, Williams is still raw and inconsistent, often struggling with his shot and decision-making on the court.

“There was obviously hope Williams would qualify as such when Chicago made him the No. 4 pick in 2020, but his numbers have stagnated, and his injury problems have worsened. He's currently shelved for the duration of this campaign after foot surgery and now has restricted free agency awaiting him,” Buckley added.

Caught up w/ #Bulls Patrick Williams last night. Williams on how he's approaching this injury: "Still wanting to get better whether it's being around the team, watching film or being able to talk the game with the team. It's helped me to stay mentally in it." pic.twitter.com/hQRj8DVMS7

— Tina Nguyen (@ttinanguyen) March 1, 2024

Report gives the Chicago Bulls' season a C