The Chicago Bulls may have another sharp roster move sitting right in front of them.
After landing Norman Powell in one of the smarter offseason plays in the league, the Bulls could try a similar tactic with Kevin Porter Jr. The idea is simple: sign him now, then turn him into future assets later.
Porter Jr. was released by the Milwaukee Bucks just before this year’s roster cut-down deadline. The 26-year-old just finished a productive season in Milwaukee, averaging 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.2 steals in 33.2 minutes per game.
Chicago could use another player who can create his own shot, and Porter’s game fits that need. But the bigger appeal is what he could mean for the Bulls’ front office rather than what he adds to the box score right away.
That’s the same logic behind the Powell addition. Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham signed Powell this summer to what is essentially an expiring contract, banking on him to thrive in a guard rotation that has lacked scoring punch.
If things go as planned, Powell’s value should rise enough that Chicago can move him at the trade deadline for draft picks and/or young players.
The Bulls are also expected to open the season with a roster spot available, giving Graham flexibility if another team needs to shed salary and is willing to pay with assets. Porter would fit the same kind of play if Chicago signs him with the intention of flipping him later.
On the floor, Porter could help too. He projects as a smooth shot-creator and a pesky perimeter defender, and he’d have a strong case to be the Bulls’ best option for both jobs.
Milwaukee didn’t move on from him because he couldn’t produce. He was second on the team in scoring at 17.4 points per game, second in total assists with 280 and second in total steals with 83, all in just 38 games.
The Bucks, meanwhile, are rebuilding after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. Their backcourt is crowded with younger guards, including Ryan Rollins, Brayden Burries, AJ Green, Kasparas Jakucionis and Tyler Herro. They’re also dealing with Gary Trent Jr.’s abnormally and controversially large contract.
If Porter clears waivers, he can sign with any team. Still, the Bulls could offer him a bigger guaranteed role and have the cap space to pay a little more. That makes the fit make sense for both sides.
And if Chicago can later flip Porter and Powell at the deadline? That would be another A+ for Graham.
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