The NBA Draft is quickly approaching and trade talks are running rampant as teams begin to decide if it is more productive to draft a rookie or construct a trade for a veteran. Both can prove fruitful in difference ways. The Chicago Bulls are kicking off the week of draft rumors as they appear to be the first team in serious talks to make a move prior to the NBA Draft.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports that the Bulls are negotiating a trade with the Washington Wizards that would send Luol Deng to Washington in exchange for the Wizards' No. 3 overall pick. Deng is a two-time All-Star and a strong swingman. Deng's trade value is too high to just receive a first-round draft pick in return. The Wizards would likely include Emeka Okafor in the trade to make the deal work. If Okafor picks up his $14 million player option, it is likely that the trade could get done.
Deng is in the final year of his contract, making him easy trade bait for the Bulls. He is due $14 million next season. Deng has played a heavy amount of minutes, contributing on both sides of the court. He averaged 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in 38.7 minutes per game during the 2012-13 season. Despite his strong standing within the Bulls team, Chicago appears to want to add more youth to the roster. With Deng close to free agency, the Bulls like the sound of a trade in order to receive something in return for Deng instead of letting him walk away for nothing.
Bulls would not be happy if the trade is finalized. With the roster in place and everyone returning healthy, including Derrick Rose, the Bulls immediately hope to the top of the Eastern Conference. Without Deng, the Bulls chances weaken significantly. While the team may be setting themselves up for a strong future, the trade would do nothing for the short-term picture which the one most fans are worried about.
The trade would save Chicago a lot of money. Jimmy Butler would then play a larger role at forward after having a breakout season. Getting Okafor would give Chicago the backup center they have been searching for after losing Omer Asik to free agency. Washington would get another veteran to add to their young roster and Deng would pair nicely with Nene.
Deng's trade value will only continue to increase. Now that other teams see how serious the Bulls are about getting rid of Deng, his market value will only continue to rise.
