The Most Reinsdorf Move Ever: Drafting Bronny James

It's public knowledge that LeBron has always wanted to play with his son. The four-time MVP has previously stated that he'll go wherever Bronny is drafted. Bronny is finally eligible for the draft, and LeBron is a free agent. The timing may be now.

If the Bulls were to go chasing Bronny, there's a strong chance they could end up with LeBron, Reinsdorf's white whale. The 20-time All-Star is set to turn 40 during the 2024-25 season, but he's coming off an impressive campaign during which he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. The Bulls haven't had a player post those kinds of numbers since Michael Jordan was asserting himself as a superstar.

Realistically, LeBron would likely only play one or two more seasons before retiring. But those two years, even with the current roster construction, could very well make the Bulls a playoff team.

A championship isn't guaranteed, however. A 40-year-old LeBron would be immensely prone to a fall-off in production and injury issues. It's extremely rare for even the best NBA players to produce at an elite level as Father Time comes calling.

But more importantly, Bronny doesn't look NBA-ready after averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this past season at USC. He also dealt with a heart issue that required critical medical attention.

Bronny will likely endure a very difficult transition to the NBA and need help from his father. One general manager even said "there are probably three rounds’ worth of prospects more talented than Bronny in this class."

In short, any hype surrounding the younger James is by association.

Nowhere Near Worth It

Further clouding the Bulls' future outlook in this potential scenario, LeBron would likely have some say in roster moves, especially regarding veterans. While the Bulls have Alex Caruso in tow and could retain DeMar DeRozan, LeBron would want more help. That could force the Bulls to trade picks and other valuable assets to acquire top-tier NBA veterans, ala Anthony Davis, to pair with LeBron.

Once LeBron retires, it'd leave the Bulls in an all-too-familiar place with minimal to no draft capital. Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu would be gone or nearing the end of their contracts. Most importantly, Bronny would be the Bulls' only hope. If beginning his career alongside his dad doesn't make him a superstar, the move would set the franchise back years.

In theory, drafting Bronny James and landing LeBron would put the Bulls in a championship-or-bust short-term window. But in reality, this sequence of events would just kick the can further down the road for the sake of ticket sales over the next two seasons — a familiar failed practice.

In summary, Jerry Reinsdorf needs to stay out of Bulls' on-court business.