NBA Power Rankings: Is the Golden State Warriors dynasty dead?

22. Chicago Bulls

Heading into the start of the season, you can make the argument that the Chicago Bulls have some of the biggest questions left to answer. And none of them will be easy to do. The entire future of the Bulls’ core is likely going to depend on how this team comes out of the gate. If the Bulls get off to a slow start or a disappointing one, there’s a very good chance this team ends up emerging as a seller at the NBA Trade Deadline.

If that happens, this team may look completely different by the time the end of the season comes around. DeMar DeRozan is entering the final year of his contract with the team and if the Bulls aren’t competing in the Eastern Conference, it makes little sense to not only keep him on the roster beyond the trade deadline but also to even discuss a potential contract extension.

Some of the stuff could be said about Zach LaVine. He’s locked up for the foreseeable future but is absolutely a player that could end up being traded at some point in the next calendar year if things don’t change quickly in Chicago.