Each NBA offseason is marked by a flurry of trades and signings as teams position themselves for the future, whether the goal is short- or long-term success. Once the dust settles, ESPN conducts a survey involving NBA coaches, scouts, and executives to assess the impact of these moves. This year, the Chicago Bulls received notable criticism, landing among the worst performers of the offseason.
Bulls Had 2nd-Worst NBA Offseason
According to the survey, the Bulls had the second-worst offseason period, only ahead of the Denver Nuggets, in terms of transactions. The Nuggets lost a key player and are facing a shrinking championship window despite having Nikola Jokic in his prime.
The Bulls’ trades involving DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso were particularly scrutinized.
“Chicago, after trading both Caruso and DeMar DeRozan and not receiving a first-round pick in either deal (and watching the San Antonio Spurs receive the best asset, a 2031 pick swap from the Kings, in the DeRozan trade),” ESPN wrote.
The Bulls’ decision to trade away their two best assets without securing significant value in return contributed to the league’s unfavorable view of their offseason.
“Getting him [Caruso] without giving up a pick is crazy,” an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN regarding the Caruso deal.
Josh Giddey, acquired in the Caruso trade, is considered the most promising part of the haul. However, the 21-year-old has only one year remaining on his contract and must prove himself. If he underperforms, the trade could be deemed a failure. Conversely, if Giddey performs well, he may command a high price in free agency next year, putting the Bulls at risk of being outbid.
DeMar DeRozan Trade Deemed League Worst
The survey also labeled the DeMar DeRozan trade as the worst deal of the offseason. Chicago had several opportunities to trade DeRozan in-season before the deadline but chose to remain “competitive” at the ownership’s request. This decision eroded their leverage, as DeRozan could’ve left as a free agent.
In the trade with the Sacramento Kings, the Bulls received second-round picks, which are less likely to yield immediate returns than the first-round selections they were offered at the deadline. Those first-round picks could’ve accelerated the Bulls’ rebuilding process.
Outlook for the Bulls
ESPN’s survey amplifies offseason moves that have positioned the Bulls for a challenging year with limited potential for success. Fans should brace themselves for a turbulent 2024-25 campaign.
