With the Bulls now having 7 (yes, 7) guards on full NBA contracts, they need to move off some of them before they walk in the offseason. With recent reports saying the Bulls are unable to get an FRP for White, why not package White and Ayo for an FRP and get their own SRP back?
Rockets: They have been a strong team all year, but their lack of ball-handling and playmaking has been apparent all year. Shephard has been great at times, but I feel like in his sophomore year, he would fit better as the 6th man than the starting PG. In this trade, they give up a lightly protected Phoenix pick and Chicago's own SRP for what will probably be a 6-month rental of both players, but this drastically increases their guard talent and greatly deepens the team.
Rockets starting lineup: White, Thompson, KD, Smith, Shengun
Rockets bench lineup: Reed, Dousumu, DFS, Eason, Capella
As you can see, this trade rounds out the starting and bench lineups for a relatively low price. I don't think they will be able to re-sign both of these guys, but if they re-sign one, I would consider this a long-term W trade for them.
Bulls: Bulls take on an injured player and draft capital and offload expiring contracts of players who probably aren't going to resign. Trading for Ivy and Tre Jones balling makes me feel like Ayo and White are a bit redundant and signals that the front office would move off those guys. This is a deal where I feel like it is realistic to get a first-round pick. They take on Vanfleet's contract, which frees up the guard rotation for Gidey, Ivy, and Jones and gives them additional assets.
-Bulls Starting Lineup: Giddey, Ivey, Buzelis, Williams, Smith -Bulls Bench lineup: Jones, Simons, Okoro, Collins
Due to their surplus of guards i would expect them to make a few other roster changes including cutting Conely so he can go to a contender and of course trading white and Ayo for future assets or a young player, preferably a forward.
Let me know what yall think! is this enough for white and ayo? or are the rockets overpaying for expiring contracts?