Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin shoots over Portland Trail Blazers' Moe Harkless. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading for either Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins or Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, according to a team insider.
The Bulls, who have quite a splashy offseason after trading Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks and snagging homegrown Dwyane Wade from the Miami Heat, apparently have put themselves in the fray for arguably two of the most coveted big men available on the trade market.
DeMarcus Cousins:
The Bulls are just the latest team on that long list of suitors lining up for the 25-year old Cousins. The Kings have denied multiple trade offers for the big men already, but there are speculations the team is just waiting for the right moment to unload their mercurial franchise player.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers are considered the front-runners in the Cousins sweepstakes. However, some experts - including Dieter Kurtenbach of Fox Sports - believe Chicago can also make a case as an ideal landing spot for the two-time All-Star.
The Bulls currently boast a trio of dynamic guard/winger in Wade, Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler, although many think Chicago is still below the Cavaliers, Raptors and Celtics in terms of firepower.
Landing a dominant big man in Cousins, who put up 26 points and 11 boards a game last season, would give Chicago a legit scoring option in the shaded lane, filling the void left by Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol.
Blake Griffin:
Another trade target the Bulls are closely monitoring is the L.A Clippers star. Despite being sidelined most of the 2015-16 season due to injuries and suspension, Griffin continues to draw trade interest from a number of teams.
The 27-year old Griffin (21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game) can opt out from the final year of his deal and hit the free-agency market next summer. With the Clippers' championship window closing, Griffin is expected to bolt out for greener pastures somewhere.
The big market Bulls appear to be prime destination for Griffin on paper. While they can wait for next summer's free-agency, the Bulls can actually get the bruising forward this season through a trade.
The Bulls have several young prospects (Bobby Portis, Doug McDermott, Tony Snell, Denzel Valentine, and Jeriah Grant) on their roster along with a stash of draft picks that could pique the attention of the Clippers top brass.
Motivation behind potential deal:
The Bulls originally planned to take a step back this coming season after moving on from the Rose era. However, sources reported the Bulls mindset suddenly changed after landing Wade in free-agency.
Wade signed a one-year deal with the Bulls and can bolt out next summer again. The Bulls want to maximize what is left in Wade's tank by putting them in position to compete for a championship next season.
Although it would be a huge gambit to throw away some of their young players, sources indicate team executives pretty much believe the Bulls can compete with the Cavs right away for the Eastern Conference title should they get either of these players.
