The Bulls are telling teams that Thaddeus Young is not available via trades, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer writes.
The veteran forward is highly sought after for both his ability to elevate younger guys around him as well as his favorable contract, as we previously relayed. Young is making $13.5 million this year and he’ll take home $14.2 million next season, though just $5 million of that is guaranteed.
Perhaps President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovos is just playing hardball, driving up the price for Young. However, it’s worth noting that Young has meshed well with the Bulls’ younger prospects.
Otto Porter Jr., who will be a free agent at the end of the season, could also be traded. The Warriors are among the teams with interest in the 27-year-old. It’s possible that Chicago looks to work on a buyout with the former Wizards, yet they may be just as comfortable letting his contract run out and gaining the cap space during the offseason.
More NBA Trade Rumors
- Trade talks around Lonzo Ball have fizzled, though trading the 23-year-old remains a possibility, O’Connor reports. Ball will be a restricted free agent at the end of the year and his expected contract will play a role in New Orleans’ plans for him. The Pelicans have a few veterans, such as Eric Bledsoe and J.J. Redick, on the block but they could still become buyers or sellers leading up to the trade deadline.
- Raptors G-Leaguer Alize Johnson is a name rival executives are keeping an eye on, per O’Connor. Toronto/Tampa Bay has interest in bringing up Johnson, who was the No. 50 overall pick in the 2018 draft, though the Magic, Rockets, Spurs, and Suns also have interested in signing the 6-foot-7 wing.
- ICYMI: The Mavs and Kings have interest in Kevin Love, as our own Sam Amico relayed. Rebounding has been a major issue for Dallas and Love would help in that regard. For Sacramento, accelerating their ever-rebuilding phase may be a prudent strategy, though it’s worth noting that a Love trade is not their only route to making that happen.
