The Chicago Bulls took a major step forward during the 2021-22 season and proved to be a playoff threat. Here’s what they did this offseason in preparation for the 2022-23 NBA season.
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The NBA offseason has already begun for nearly half the league, with other franchises soon to join them as the playoffs march on.
With a free-agent class lacking in star power, the most exciting part of the offseason may end up being the trade market.
While it s important to aim high with your trade target list, teams have to be realistic as well. For this exercise, we re looking at high-impact deals teams can make, while still being grounded in reality.
These are the swaps every NBA team should be calling about this offseason.
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics Receive: 2023 second-round pick (via Boston Celtics)
The Hornets need help at center. Veterans Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo can leave via free agency this offseason, and rookie Vernon Carey Jr. played just 115 minutes this season.
Thompson, 30, is still good enough to be a starter and would be an upgrade over everyone the Hornets have at the position. He s a good screen setter and rebounder and would bring 78 games (and counting) of playoff experience, including a championship ring with the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Boston has leaned toward Robert Williams III, 23, as the future at the position. The Celtics are already at the luxury tax line for next season, and that s before any free-agent signings or a new contract for Evan Fournier.
2021/01/25 10:35 Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown shoots during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, in Boston. Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown shoots during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Boston Celtics Daniel Theis (27) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers Darius Garland, bottom, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Ja. Boston Celtics Daniel Theis (27) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers Darius Garland, bottom, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Cleveland Cavaliers Andre Drummond (3) shoots against Boston Celtics Boston Celtics Daniel Theis during the first half of an NBA basketball game, S.