NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls May Seriously Consider Moving Young For Harkless And More

KEY POINTS

Clippers looking to boost frontline with Thaddeus Young
Maurice Harkless fits the Chicago Bulls youth movement
Both Harkless and Young could be more effective players after a potential swap

The Los Angeles Clippers could explore some trades and get better before the NBA playoffs. One player that they are reportedly eyeing is Thaddeus Young of the Chicago Bulls. The 6-foot-8 power forward is one of several names the Chicago Bulls may move in lieu of younger assets.

The Bulls have had their share of bad luck with injuries to Otto Porter Jr. and Chandler Hutchinson. To somehow address their manpower issues trading away some of their players could help. Aside from Young, Lauri Markannen, Welsey Iwundu, and Melvin Frazier were mentioned. But as far as the Clips are concerned, their sights are set on the 12th overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Times reported.

To facilitate a trade, head coach Doc Rivers will have to give up something. One player that they could give up is Maurice Harkless. In 34 games, the 26-year-old has averaged 5.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. The numbers may not be that impressive but he is five years younger than Young. He is also in the last year of his contract ($11 million). Harkless will be one of the unrestricted free agents next summer.

As for Young, the Clips could get someone who has been averaging 8.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. These are far from his career averages but potentially enough to help in the Clippers playoff aspirations. Considering the former Georgia Tech standout is not being maximized, a move to Los Angeles could be for his own good as well. But as far as playing time, it remains to be seen if he will log in more than the 21.8 minutes Young is getting as a Bull.

The NBA trade makes a bit of sense but expect Rivers to further evaluate the move. The Clippers are currently toting a 23-11 win-loss record while the Bulls are 13-20. The Bulls could benefit from adding Harkless as well. The 15th pick of the 2012 NBA Draft is a 3-and-D player – curiously the kind of player most teams are looking for right now. Being a good wing defender, Harkless could fit in nicely with head coach Jim Boylen’s defensive matrix.