OKC Thunder trade primer: After big trade Bulls trade options unlikely to move bar for OKC

The OKC Thunder trade deadline series T.I. looks at the Chicago Bulls who need another restructure to build around their star big men.

Entering trade deadline day the Chicago Bulls have already made a big move which may make them less active today. Certainly, there are players on the team who the OKC Thunder might have interest in but it’s not likely any would move the needle significantly.

For that reason, this trade primer serves up where the Bulls stand entering the day but given Bobby Portis was the most logical player for the Thunder to look at I’m not going to dive into picking players just for the sake of making it happen.

Chicago was a clear seller entering the trade deadline and their move Wednesday confirmed that information.

The Bulls sent Mr. “I don’t play defense” Jabari Parker and “I’ll punch you if you don’t play nice” Bobby Portis to the Washington Wizards in order to get back Otto Porter Jr.

Clearly, for the Wizards they are looking at clearing salary given where they entered the day (Wall out for a year and looking to be the first non-playoff luxury tax team).

Both Portis and Parker can come off the books at year end with their expiring contracts. As for the Bulls, they land a quality wing (something they always covet) who presumably will be tasked with captaining their defense.

Looking forward to next season the Bulls could be a top squad if OPJ, Markkanen and Carter Jr. mesh. And, if the Bulls could land a quality point guard to pair with Zach LaVine this team could conceivably become a playoff contender as early as next season.

Here’s where the Bulls stand entering trade deadline day.