Mike Lawrie/Getty Images The Chicago Bulls are considering trading up to the No. 4 or No. 5 pick, held by the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks, respectively, and adding a big man, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN: The Bulls currently own the No. 7 pick in Thursday night's NBA draft. Each prospect Givony cites as a possibility for the Bulls would provide a different fit next to forward Lauri Markkanen. Texas' Mo Bamba projects as an elite rim-protector and shot-blocker who has immense potential. Much of that potential will only be unlocked, however, if he adds muscle and weight to his frame and improves his offensive game and shooting touch. His floor seems to be as a strong defensive option. That is likely Jaren Jackson Jr.'s floor as well, though he already has a more projectable perimeter shot, making him the rare three-and-D big man. His solid athleticism and defensive instincts mean he should be a dynamic shot-blocker, though it's fair to question if the Michigan State product will ever develop the overall offensive skill set to be a superstar. Both players would help cover for Markkanen's deficiencies as a rim-protector. Duke's Wendell Carter would as well and projects as perhaps the most well-rounded prospect of the three, though his lack of elite athleticism or explosiveness limits his upside. Still, he could help a team like the Bulls in a multitude of ways. Missouri's Michael Porter Jr. would be a less seamless fit. While he's capable of playing the wing, he'll likely be best utilized as a stretch 4. There's little question Porter will be able to score in the NBA given his size and shooting touch, but it's fair to question if he'll do much else, as he isn't a great defender or facilitator. Plus, his injury concerns loom large. Nonetheless, adding another talented scorer with size wouldn't hurt Chicago. Video Play Button Videos you might like The other consideration for the Bulls, of course, is that if they stay put, one of those four players will likely fall to them at No. 7. If they value one of the four well above the rest, though, trading up to No. 4 or No. 5 would make sense.<doc-sep>Jeff Roberson/Associated Press The Chicago Bulls are reportedly eyeing a move up on draft night, and they could have their sights set on former Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr. Citing multiple league sources, NBC Sports Chicago's Vincent Goodwill reported Tuesday that Chicago has "inquired about moving up from the seventh spot in the draft to either the third or fourth spot." However, when Goodwill inquired, those within the organization denied rumblings of a potential trade into the top five. Goodwill added "many believe the franchise has its eyes set on" Porter and "were told weeks ago" he wouldn't be available when they're on the clock at No. 7 overall. The Phoenix Suns are widely expected to select former Arizona center Deandre Ayton at No. 1 overall and the Sacramento Kings are reportedly eyeing Duke forward Marvin Bagley III, according to ESPN.com's Jonathan Givony. The Dallas Morning News' Eddie Sefko added it's a "near-lock" the Kings will select Bagley. If those reports hold, the Atlanta Hawks would be a logical trade partner for the Bulls at No. 3 overall. Video Play Button Videos you might like Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman previously reported the Hawks have "had conversations about the possibility of trading down," and Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Woo suggested they could target Oklahoma point guard Trae Young if they flip the third pick for a later lottery selection. The Memphis Grizzlies, who are slated to pick at No. 4, have also been discussed as a team that could trade back if they find a club willing to absorb the two years and $49.2 million remaining on Chandler Parsons' contract, according to The Athletic's Michael Scotto. Porter, 19, played just three games at Missouri last season because of a back injury that required surgery. In his latest mock draft, Wasserman projected Porter to the Bulls at No. 7.<doc-sep>
The day of the draft always provides plenty of storylines. For the Chicago Bulls, there are three primary rumors to keep an eye on. The day is finally here, Chicago Bulls fans. It’s time for the 2018 NBA Draft. But, before it gets underway, we will surely hear our fair share of draft-day rumors floating around. Sometimes it can get tough to figure out which story is true and which ones hold no water whatsoever. Leading up to the draft, there have been a lot of stories revolving around the Bulls. One of the most recent rumors is the thought that the Bulls could trade up to the no. 4 overall selection by taking on Chandler Parsons from the Memphis Grizzlies. But, what would that trade look like? Fans are hopeful that the Bulls would move up in order to select either Missouri’s Michael Porter Jr. or Mo Bamba out of Texas. However, as you’ll soon find out, neither of those guys appear to be the target in a trade-up scenario — I know, I’m just as disappointed as you are. As of right now, the Bulls currently have two first-rounders to play with tonight at no. 7 and no. 22. All of the attention is on the first of the two picks, of course, as the Bulls look to change the winds of the franchise by finding a future stud. Before the draft kicks off, though, let’s examine a few recent rumors that have appeared as early as Thursday morning while weighing the likelihood of each one.