{"numbering":"no_numbering","slides":[{"index":"","title":"Deciding a direction","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/lavine_z_usatsi_15741261.jpg","caption":"

Billy Donovan, who, as coach, is most regularly available for reporters, has said repeatedly that the guiding principle for Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley as the NBA trade deadline arrives Thursday is to do what’s best for the organization.

That’s a reminder that it takes two teams to tango. Even if, say, management decides to try to “sell” or “buy” as its overarching philosophy, the right deal has to present itself in either case.

Also, here’s a news flash: The Bulls aren’t loaded with trade assets. Their biggest one, in All-Star Zach LaVine, is largely viewed as not available by rival executives. Their second biggest, in Thad Young, is valued internally to the point where it would take a rich offer to acquire him.

Here’s a ranked look at the trade value of prominent Bulls rotation players based on conversations that NBC Sports Chicago had with scouts and executives from other teams.

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":"1","title":"1. Thad Young","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/Thad%20Young%201000%20game%20USAT_0.jpg","caption":"

Stats: 36 games, 12.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.4 apg, 60.2% FG, 25.2 mpg

Consensus: Young’s ability to play with or without the ball, guard multiple positions and seamlessly handle any playing-time role makes him attractive enough. Throw in his veteran leadership and partially guaranteed contract next season and it’s easy to see why contending teams have interest. The general thought is the Bulls can get a first-round pick for him, but how high of one?

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":2,"title":"2. Denzel Valentine","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/App-210129-denzel-valentine_0.jpg","caption":"

Stats: 36 games, 7.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 33.8% 3P, 18.6 mpg

Consensus: Though this may surprise regular Bulls watchers who find this player polarizing, his shooting and swagger stand out to teams on the outside. “He looks like he enjoys big moments,” one scout said. Teams always value shooting at this time of year, but Valentine, after signing a qualifying offer, would have to agree to any deal if the Bulls find one.

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":3,"title":"3. Tomáš Satoranský","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/Satoransky%20USAT_0_0.jpg","caption":"

Stats: 29 games, 7.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.7 apg, 42.9% 3P, 22 mpg

Consensus: Similar to Young, Satoranský’s versatility, ability to guard and play multiple positions and seamlessly slide into any role stands out to rival teams. Also like Young, his 2021-22 contract carries a partial guarantee. Given that Satoranský slots as a reserve and emergency starter rather than front line piece, his return would be minimal.

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":4,"title":"4. Garrett Temple","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/App-210107-Garrett-Temple-warm-up_0_0.jpg","caption":"

Stats: 35 games, 8.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2 apg, 34.3% 3P, 27.9 mpg

Consensus: Seemingly everybody likes the respected veteran, whose defensive toughness and 3-point marksmanship place him in the rotation of any team in the league. “But what are teams going to give up for him?” asked one scout. His affordable, one-year contract could fit as part of a larger deal.

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":5,"title":"5. Otto Porter Jr.","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/app-210220-otto-porter_0.jpg","caption":"

Stats: 22 games, 10.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2 apg, 40.7% 3P, 22.1 mpg

Consensus: He’s valuable as a large, expiring contact. But his inability to stay healthy and need for a new deal make him attractive only to teams looking to shed payroll. Plus, given his hefty price tag, the Bulls would almost certainly be taking on long-term money if they dealt him. So these future fits would have to be more attractive than their projected cap space.

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":6,"title":"6. Lauri Markkanen","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/Lauri%20Markkanen%20USAT.jpg","caption":"

Stats: 20 games, 18.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1 apg, 40.5% 3P, 30.7 mpg

Consensus: His combination of size and skill still intrigues, particularly since all teams operate under the belief they can unlock all potential. He’s also shooting at career-best numbers. But the league talks, and his contract demands -- he and the Bulls were roughly $4 million apart annually on a rookie extension -- are known. Teams might be hesitant to give up assets for somebody they can pursue in restricted free agency this summer.

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":7,"title":"Keepers","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/Patrick%20Williams%20Zach%20LaVine%20USAT.jpg","caption":"

Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams

LaVine stats: 40 games, 28.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5 apg, 53 FG%, 43.8 3PT%, 35.5 mpg

Williams stats: 39 games, 9.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 46 FG%, 28.1 mpg

Consensus: Nobody is untouchable on a roster that is mired in a rebuild. But LaVine’s increased efficiency, commitment at the defensive end and first All-Star selection would command a rich offer to consider a change of address. Plus, he’s 26. As for Williams, he and Temple are the only players on the roster that the new regime didn’t inherit. And he’s off to a promising start.

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":8,"title":"The Young and Nebulous","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/Coby%20Wendell%20USAT.jpg","caption":"

Wendell Carter Jr., Coby White, Daniel Gafford, Ryan Arcidiacono

Consensus: Even in their recent reserve roles, White and Carter represent rotation players on rookie deals and under team control. White, in particular, looks to be a long-term fit with his scoring ability. The jury remains out on Carter, who has battled injuries and inconsistency that the league sees as well. Gafford and Arcidiacono are affordable, plug-and-play rotation pieces which most teams have.

","credit":"USA Today"},{"index":9,"title":"The Rest","image":"https://rsnunited.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/chicago/2021/03/20/kornet_luke_usatoday_0_0.jpg","caption":"

Luke Kornet, Cristiano Felício, Chandler Hutchison

Consensus: Nobody's knocking. Nobody's home.

","credit":"USA Today"}]}

NBA Trade Deadline 2021: Ranking Bulls by trade value