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NBA rumors: Chicago Bulls trade Mike Dunleavy to the Cavaliers

By David Rouben

Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) moves the ball down the court during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) moves the ball down the court during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bulls may have inadvertently made the Cleveland Cavaliers a better shooting team by shipping out Mike Dunleavy.

While LeBron James still hasn’t re-signed, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a very sneaky acquisition that will improve their shooting. In an effort to clear out their cap for Dwyane Wade, the Chicago Bulls are suddenly wheeling and dealing, as Jose Calderon and Mike Dunleavy have become their primary casualties.

Even though the Milwaukee Bucks were originally in play for Dunleavy, the Chicago Bulls dealt him to the Cavaliers instead, which could spell trouble for them. Brian Windhorst was the first to report it, before Bulls beat writer KC Johnson confirmed it:


Even though Dunleavy averaged single-digit points in his last two seasons in Chicago, he remains a consistent shooting threat. His career field goal percentage is 44.1% while his three-point shooting is at 37.6%.

We’ve seen good shooters who were in bad environments go to the Cavaliers and thrive with their star-studded supporting cast. J.R. Smith and Channing Frye were two previous examples, and Dunleavy could be another big shooting threat off the bench. As long as the Cavs are in late game situations and need a big shot, they won’t be lacking in terms of options.

Make no mistake about it — Dwyane Wade to Chicago makes them better. But the Bulls still need help with shooting, and shipping out Dunleavy to a direct Eastern Conference rival will come back to bite them.

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