NBA Trade Deadline 2019: The 30-team mega-deal that solves nothing and makes everyone mad

By Ian Levy | Jan 21, 2019

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a game at Wells Fargo Center on January 19, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Thunder defeated the Sixers 117-115. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 19: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends against the Phoenix Suns on November 19, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls

Sending out: Robin Lopez (GSW), Denzel Valentine (DEN), Kris Dunn (NOP), 2019 second-round pick (from MEM, to GSW)

Bringing in: Reggie Jackson (DET), Markelle Fultz (PHI)

The Bulls are probably not as close to taking shape as they think (assuming their front office even thinks in terms of fit and style and not just talent). Jabari Parker is dead weight and we still have to see Zach LaVine play some defense if this core is going to be viable, but Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. are an inspiring frontcourt they can build around.

In this deal, the Bulls send out Lopez (a veteran they don’t need), Denzel Valentine (a young player fading out of the league), Kris Dunn (a viable backup point guard) and a potentially valuable second-round pick. Their return is mostly about taking a swing on the admittedly diminished potential of Markelle Fultz. Assuming he can get his shoulder healthy, he’s still a player who could be integral to this young core and raise the team’s future ceiling. If he doesn’t pan out, they’re not giving up a ton of long-term value for the chance to try him out. Reggie Jackson is gonna Reggie Jackson, but he only has one more year on his ugly deal.

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