Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder 30 for 30 Part 5: Bullish on Denzel Valentine

By Lawrence George

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls jocks for a position during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls jocks for a position during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
OKC Thunder target Denzel Valentine
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 15: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls claps his hands on the court after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.  Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder 30 for 30 series continues as TI heads to Chicago and dives into the youthful roster and earmarks Denzel Valentine as a bullish trade option.

The OKC Thunder 30 for 30 head to the Windy City to breakdown third year wing Denzel Valentine. The 25 year-old enters the season on the back of an improved season where he set career highs across the board. His impressive play earned the trust of Head Coach Fred Hoiberg and was consequently rewarded with playing 27.2 minutes a night, spending time between shooting guard and small forward.

The Chicago Bulls made some interesting moves over the free agency period, securing the services of Zach LaVine on a five-year, $78 million dollar deal and Jabari Parker on a two-year, $40 million dollar contract. Interestingly, the Bulls have publicly expressed a desire to play Parker at small forward while LaVine will presumably occupy the starting shooting guard slot.

Where Valentine fits in Chicago’s rotation is confusing given the Bulls have six shooting guards signed to guaranteed deals. Three of the six can slide up to the three spot leaving much for Hoiberg to figure out.

With all this uncertainty, its difficult to gauge whether Valentine is available or not. The off-season acquisition of Parker and the Bulls desire to play him at the three sparks questions of whether he is in their future plans. If Valentine is available, OKC would benefit greatly should he arrive to the Mid-West.

Lets take a deeper look at Valentine and what he brings to the table.

Home/Thunder News