The Chicago Bulls are entering a particularly interesting offseason. Last year didn’t go as new VP Arturas Karnisovas had hoped. He made his first big splash since taking over basketball operations when he engineered a big trade for All-Star center Nikola Vucevic. While the big man became an instant offensive presence in the paint, it wasn’t enough to push the team into the playoffs. Now there are questions about what changes to the roster might be coming in 2021-2022. One name to watch might be Tomas Satoransky.
The 29-year old veteran was a decent presence for the Bulls last season. He averaged 7.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game. All while going around 22.5 minutes a night. That is solid work. While nobody will accuse Satoransky of being a starter in hiding, he’s definitely one of the better point guards in the NBA coming off the bench. That could be why, according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski that a number of teams are interested in potentially trading for him.
Would the Bulls do such a thing?
Well, Satoransky has one year left on his contract. He will earn $10 million with $5 million being guaranteed. If Chicago is interested in clearing out cap space and perhaps acquiring another draft asset, this would be something to consider. The veteran point guard hasn’t been the primary issue for them since he was acquired but it’s clear his presence won’t move the needle enough to get this team over the hump.
Moving him out to procure resources might be the best course of action. It would help Karnisovas in his expected pursuit of a true upgrade at point guard. Most expect Lonzo Ball to be the Bulls’ focus when free agency begins. Sacrificing Satoransky for that goal seems like a logical decision.
Will Tomas Satoransky be the only one?
That is a more important question. The Bulls need a lot of cap space if they’re going after a big fish at point guard. So other players could be moved out if at all possible. Other names to watch are Lauri Markkanen, whom they tried to trade last season and the always dependable Thaddeus Young. The goal is to find a lineup that can help maximize their new tandem of Vucevic and Zach Lavine.
Tomas Satoransky did what he could. He proved a steady and reliable bench player the past two seasons. Unfortunately, he was caught in the middle of an ongoing rebuild. At this point of his career, being traded to a good team is something he deserves. He’s earned a chance to compete for a championship. The Bulls just aren’t quite there yet.
Karnisovas has plenty of work left to do.
His first moves were bold and exciting. The hard part is still to come though. Can he build out the entire roster with solid contributors? Answers will arrive starting August 6th when free agency begins. That is when the fate of Satoransky and many others will come into focus. The Bulls aren’t exactly a hot destination. So it will be a challenge to make the right moves in order to get better. Especially with no 1st round pick in the draft.