NBA Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls Should Strongly Consider Trading Mike Dunleavy Jr.

mike dunleavy

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The Chicago Bulls are playing excellent basketball. At 8-3, the Bulls have used their defense once again to stymie NBA teams. Although the Bulls have played most of their games without their superstar Derrick Rose, the Bulls haven’t had a problem beating some of the best teams in the league.

With the improved play of Jimmy Butler, and the dominant frontcourt of Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah, the Bulls have looked great. However, the Bulls have some weight they could shed before the 2014 NBA trade deadline. Although the deadline is in Febrary, the Bulls should cut ties with Mike Dunleavy Jr. The main reason being because the Bulls have talented rookie Doug McDermott waiting in the wings. Although Tom Thibodeau doesn’t use his rookies that much in their first season, McDermott’s ability to put the ball in the basket is undeniable and the Bulls will need his firepower going forward.

While Dunleavy Jr.’s defense has improved since coming to Chicago, McDermott has length, but doesn’t have a great history of playing defense. Within Thibodeau’s system, McDermott will flourish. The Bulls are in line to pay Dunleavy Jr. $3 million this season. Trading away Dunleavy Jr. will hurt a bit at first, but McDermott will get quality minutes and he will be able to improve earlier rather than later in his career. This would be an excellent long-term decision for the Bulls.

Ryan Ratty is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanRattyNFL or add him to your network on Google.

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