The Chicago Bulls are staring down a path that’s become all too familiar over the past few seasons. Do they push their chips in and chase a playoff berth?
Do they tear it all down and start fresh? Or do they, once again, choose the middle road - staying stuck in the purgatory of mediocrity?
But what if there’s another option? One that could change the trajectory of the franchise altogether. One name could redefine what’s possible in Chicago: Paolo Banchero.
Let’s talk about why the Bulls should be calling the Orlando Magic - right now - to explore the availability of the 23-year-old forward.
Why Banchero Should Be on Chicago’s Radar
Banchero isn’t just a promising young player - he’s already proven he can hang with the league’s best. An All-Star by 23, the former No. 1 overall pick has 214 games of NBA experience under his belt, a Rookie of the Year trophy on his shelf, and averages of 22.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
That’s not potential - that’s production. And he’s still getting better.
To put it bluntly, the Bulls don’t have a player like that. Not even close.
Chicago’s current roster is a mix of aging veterans and solid-but-not-spectacular role players. There’s no true cornerstone to build around.
Banchero would change that instantly. He brings the kind of upside the Bulls haven’t had since Derrick Rose was flying down the lane in his MVP prime.
Why Orlando Might Listen
Now, you might be asking - why would the Magic even consider moving a player like Banchero?
It’s a fair question. But Orlando’s roster has evolved.
What was once Banchero’s team is now a squad built around length, defense, and complementary pieces. Their identity is clear: they grind games out on the defensive end.
Offensively? That’s still a work in progress.
Even with a veteran shooter like Desmond Bane added to the mix, the Magic are still near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting, hitting just 34.4% from deep - 25th in the NBA. Banchero, a career 31.7% shooter from beyond the arc, doesn’t exactly help stretch the floor. And while he has the physical tools to be a solid defender, his focus on that end has been inconsistent.
In short, Banchero doesn’t fully align with what Orlando is trying to build. That doesn’t mean he isn’t a star - it just means he might be a better fit somewhere else.
Chicago Is Built to Be Patient
Here’s where the Bulls come in.
Chicago isn’t in win-now mode. They’re not a piece away from contending.
What they are is a franchise that can afford to be patient, and that’s exactly what Banchero needs. He’s already signed to a five-year, $240 million rookie extension that kicks in next season - a deal that would be tough for some teams to absorb, but not for Chicago, who aren’t tied up in long-term superstar contracts.
They’re also not likely to land a game-changer in the draft anytime soon - not with their current trajectory. And top-tier free agents?
Chicago hasn’t exactly been a magnet for those either. Trading for a young, high-upside star like Banchero might be the only real path forward.
Understanding Banchero’s Growing Pains
Let’s not ignore the flaws. Banchero’s efficiency has been a sticking point. But context matters.
In his rookie year, he led the Magic in scoring. His usage rate?
27.5%. The next season, he was an All-Star - and his usage jumped to 29.7%.
Last year, in 46 games, that number ballooned to 33.6%. That’s Luka-Giannis territory.
Only Doncic, Antetokounmpo, and Jaylen Brown had higher usage rates.
That’s a massive offensive burden for a young player still learning the nuances of NBA defenses. He was asked to do everything - create, score, initiate - often without the support of a reliable perimeter cast.
That kind of workload can lead to bad habits. But it also shows just how much responsibility he shouldered.
The Fit in Chicago
Now imagine Banchero in a Bulls system that emphasizes pace, movement, and transition offense. A 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and guard-like handles, Banchero has the kind of offensive toolkit that makes coaches drool.
He can create off the dribble, change speeds, draw contact, and make reads that feel years beyond his age. He’s averaged over four assists per season - not just a scorer, but a playmaker. And with his frame and athleticism, he has all the tools to become a plus defender if he locks in.
Most importantly, he gives Billy Donovan something this team sorely lacks: a true No. 1 option. Someone who can create his own shot when the offense stalls. Someone who can be the focal point of a modern NBA attack.
The Bottom Line
If Paolo Banchero becomes available - and that’s still a big “if” - the Bulls have to be ready. Artūras Karnišovas has draft capital, young players, and veteran contracts to make the math work. This is the kind of move that could define a front office’s legacy.
Chicago has wandered in the wilderness long enough. Banchero wouldn’t just be a step in the right direction - he could be the foundation for a new era of Bulls basketball.
And if the opportunity’s there? You don’t hesitate. You make the call.