ScorDespite being in the early stages of a roster rebuild, the Chicago Bulls could still look to add an elite talent.
According to Jake Weinbach, the Bulls could register their interest in Bradley Beal if he becomes available at the right price.
“The Bulls are a potential landing spot for Bradley Beal as the Suns actively explore avenues to part ways with the 3x All-Star,” Weinbach wrote on X. “Beal does have a no-trade clause in his contract, but Phoenix is reportedly preparing to offload the veteran guard whether that’s through trade or a record-breaking buyout this offseason.”
The veteran scorer is currently with the Phoenix Suns and holds a no-trade clause in his contract. Beal must either agree to a trade with the Bulls or negotiate with Chicago after securing a buyout.
Beal has struggled with health in recent years. Furthermore, his tenure with the Suns hasn’t gone to plan. However, if the Bulls could find a way to add him to the current rotation as a featured scorer, he would undoubtedly improve the team’s postseason chances.
In 53 games for Phoenix last season, Beal averaged 17 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists. He shot 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. As a three-time All-Star, Beal would add a significant scoring punch next to Coby White and Josh Giddey.
Bulls Viewed as Logical Landing Spot for Beal
In a recent article from Andrew Peters of Bleacher Report, the Bulls were cited as a logical landing spot for Beal.
“The East is set to have a bit of a down year since Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton are both set to miss most of the season with torn Achilles injuries,” Peters wrote. “Bringing in Beal is certainly a risk because of his expensive contract, but he could help the Bulls improve tremendously and take advantage of a weak conference.”
Chicago’s front office has avoided the temptation to add a veteran talent to the current roster. They currently appear steadfast in their desire to build through the draft and via trades for younger talent.
However, acquiring Beal could give the locker room the high-level veteran leadership a rebuilding team needs.
Bulls Willing to Trade Patrick Williams
While adding Beal is unlikely, it would appear the front office is open to making some roster changes this summer. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the franchise could cut ties with Patrick Williams.
“According to a source, the Bulls and Karnisovas have been more responsive to trade talks than they have been in the past,” Cowley reported. “…The Bulls have reached the point where they’ve run through most of their developmental staff in an effort to pair Williams with the right personal coach, only to see no upward movement,” Cowley continued. “Considering Karnisovas made a desperate attempt to motivate Williams with the security of a five-year, $90 million contract extension last summer, the only way he knows he can trade him is in a package or part of a multiteam deal.”
Williams hasn’t taken the developmental jump many had hoped for. As such, it may be best for everyone if he gets a fresh start elsewhere in the NBA. Sometimes, a change of scenery can help bring out the best in a player. It will be interesting to see whether the Bulls can find a new home for Williams.
Furthermore, it will be interesting to see what type of trade package they can get for the former lottery pick.
