Bulls, Pacers Weigh Dosunmu-Mathurin Swap as Deadline Nears
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The Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers held substantive talks this week about exchanging guard Ayo Dosunmu for swingman Bennedict Mathurin, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Chicago’s position on Mathurin is now uncertain after the Bulls acquired guards Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons on Tuesday. The New Orleans Pelicans have also shown interest in Mathurin.
Bulls’ Frontcourt Options
Fischer reports that Chicago explored several packages involving center Nikola Vucevic before finalizing the Simons deal with Boston. One proposal sent Vucevic and a future first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for center Jarrett Allen. Cleveland rejected the offer, partly because Vucevic’s $21.5 million salary exceeds Allen’s $20 million cap hit, which would have pushed the Cavaliers over the second tax apron. The Pacers have also inquired about Allen.
Despite the setback with Allen, the Bulls remain active in talks for Pelicans rookie center Yves Missi, writes Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. New Orleans continues to seek a first-round pick for Missi, but no club has met that price.
Other Bulls Notes
After landing veteran guard Mike Conley from Minnesota, Chicago could reroute him in another deal, Fischer adds. If Conley were traded a second time and then waived, league chatter suggests the Timberwolves would consider re-signing him on a minimum contract. NBA rules prevent Minnesota from reclaiming Conley if the Bulls waive him directly.
Rockets Content to Stand Pat
Siegel reports that the Houston Rockets have explored options for Bulls guard Coby White and are monitoring forward Dorian Finney-Smith. Nonetheless, Houston is comfortable with its current roster and may restrict activity to minor moves involving minimum-salary players. Forward Tari Eason, a restricted free agent this summer, has drawn heavy interest around the league, but the Rockets are not inclined to trade him.
Pelicans Field Offers for Core Wings
According to Siegel, New Orleans has received multi-pick offers for forwards Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones. The Pelicans have not seriously considered moving either player and could maintain high asking prices through Thursday’s deadline.
Clippers, Nets Round Out Rumor Mill
The Los Angeles Clippers are seeking partners to absorb Chris Paul and Kobe Brown, freeing cap space and roster spots to convert two-way players Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders to standard contracts, Siegel notes.
In Brooklyn, forward Michael Porter Jr. told Brian Lewis of The New York Post that he is “at peace” with trade speculation. Multiple league sources now believe Porter will remain with the Nets past Thursday’s deadline, Lewis writes in a subscriber-only report.
Source: Hoops Rumors
