NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls planning to release one of Tony Bradley or Goran Dragic to sign Patrick Beverley
Patrick Beverley’s next career stop may be in Windy City as the Chicago Bulls look to unload Tony Bradley and Goran Dragic for him. Beverley was traded by the LA Lakers a few weeks ago to the Orlando Magic for backup center Mo Bamba.
The feisty guard has now been traded for the third time in just over roughly seven months. Orlando, who is looking to develop its young talent, promptly waived the NBA veteran.
The Chicago Bulls are expected to release Goran Dragic or Tony Bradley to open up a roster spot for Patrick Beverley, per @KCJHoop https://t.co/SRknRnTDXc
The Bulls hold a 26-33 record in a very disappointing season following last year’s playoff stint. They are currently 11th in the loaded Eastern Conference, just a notch below the last play-in spot. Beverley will add depth to the Bulls’ backcourt which has missed the services of Lonzo Ball all year long.
The Chicago Bulls’ run to the playoffs last year was anchored on the incredible defensive play of their guards. Ball and Alex Caruso were the backbone of their defensive identity. Without Ball, the Bulls haven’t been as stout in that area.
Patrick Beverley brings grit, hustle, leadership and defense to any team he plays for. He excelled in that role with the LA Lakers in 45 games. “Pat Bev” doesn’t need to have the ball to stay on the floor even if he’s a guard.
The former Laker will have no problem playing off Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic.
Patrick Beverley averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the Lakers this season. His impact, though, was more than what was evident on the stat sheet. He could be the boost Chicago has been looking to improve their playoff aspirations.
Will Patrick Beverley’s addition push the Chicago Bulls to the playoffs?
Patrick Beverley could contribute to the Chicago Bulls’ push for the playoffs if coach Billy Donovan can give him minutes. Chicago has Ayo Dosunmu, Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, Coby White and Javonte Green on the backcourt.
If Tony Bradley is released, Goran Dragic will still be in that rotation. It’s a perimeter-heavy lineup that will add another guard to the roster.
Even if Caruso and Green will sometimes play small forward or power forward in Caruso’s case, there are still not enough minutes to share.
Donovan would not sacrifice LaVine’s minutes to accommodate Patrick Beverley. Beverley will likely eat up some of the minutes of the other perimeter players such as Dosunmu, White and even Caruso.
Breaking: The Chicago Bulls are nearing a deal to sign guard Patrick Beverley for the rest of the season, sources tell @wojespn. https://t.co/U62Ht4L9cq
The three-time NBA All-Defensive player will likely have to come off the bench to make an impact. Except for his rookie season where he played 41 games without starting any of them, he has largely been part of the first unit.
If Patrick Beverley is willing to be a part of the bench mob with limited minutes and role, he should be able to make his presence felt. The defensive pairing of Beverley and Caruso will be something Eastern Conference teams may not want to deal with.
Chicago made a low-risk move by signing Beverley. If this does not pan out as intended, they’ll likely let him go at the end of the season.
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