NBA Rumors: Bulls Look For Other Options To Snag Edwards, Ball

The 2020 NBA Draft is set for November and the Chicago Bulls are one of the teams in the top five.

They are picking fourth and, like most teams, have their eyes on Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman.

However, the bad news for the Bulls is that at their current spot, all three targets could be out by the time it is their turn to pick. It is believed that the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Golden State Warriors are open to trade for their slots.

NBA insiders Tom Haberstroh mentioned on Bulls Talk Podcast with K.C. Johnson forecasts that Chicago could move up in the draft if a deal falls through.

The chances of the Bulls moving up remains up in the air. It remains that Edwards, Ball and Wiseman are considered the top players in this year’s rookie talent pool.

For both the Timberwolves and the Warriors, the wise money is for them to exercise their rights and draft either Edwards or Ball, with Wiseman likely coming in at third. The third selection belongs to the Charlotte Hornets.

Assuming the draft order is left untouched, Obi Toppin or Deni Avdija are the best options that the Bulls may want to consider. However, questions remain on whether or not they would be a good fit for Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

If the Bulls aim to move up in the draft order, they would need to make a good offer. Rights to the fourth overall pick will not cut it, meaning players may be involved.

Zach LaVine holds low chances of being one of them, with the Bulls likely to continue building around the 25-year-old guard. Rather, names on the roster such as Lauri Markkanen, Thaddeus Young, Coby White, Kris Dunn and Wendel Carter Jr. are more likely to be offered.

The decision on players who will be staying or leaving may also depend on what new head coach Billy Donovan has planned for the Bulls. Following another dismal season, Chicago is bent on ending their NBA playoff drought.

The last time the Bulls made it to the postseason was during the 2016-17 season when Fred Hoiberg was still calling the shots.

The best finish Chicago has had during the post-Michael Jordan era was in 2011 when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals. They fell to the Miami Heat, 4-1, at the time with current New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau still at the helm.