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Despite Filling a Need, Bulls Still Have Roster Issues

By Michael Whitlow

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The Chicago Bulls addressed an important need in Thursday’s NBA Draft by selecting Bobby Portis from Arkansas. But, despite getting some needed frontcourt help, the Bulls have some concerns heading into the remaining part of the summer.

It won’t take long for Bulls fans to embrace first-round draft pick Bobby Portis. Last year’s SEC Player of the Year from Arkansas has one of the best motors in this year’s draft class, and with his effort and energy, the Bulls will receive a much-needed jolt in their frontcourt with the 20-year-old prospect.

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But, despite Portis’ arrival, the Bulls still have some major concerns heading into the latter part of the summer.

Sure, the Bulls front office got their man with the hiring of Fred Hoiberg, along with Portis falling into their laps at No. 22 on Thursday night.

However, let’s not forget their rising star on the wing is a restricted free agent and there is still no viable option behind their injury-riddled superstar point guard.

The Jimmy Butler contract situation

Yes, it’s completely acceptable to think Jimmy Butler will remain in Chicago after the summer. Free agency begins July 1, and despite some interest from other teams, including the Lakers, it will be quite a shock if Butler signs a contract elsewhere.

The question is, what will be the numbers of Butler’s new deal?

After the Bulls took Portis on Thursday, Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson from the Chicago Tribune tweeted out this interesting tidbit about the Bulls’ future plans.

Note: The only other time the Bulls were a luxury tax team was back in 2013-14 (the Luol Deng trade to Cleveland).

If that’s the cause, two things are on the table: 1) Butler is going to get the money he wants and 2) re-signing unrestricted free agent Mike Dunleavy is a legitimate option.

The belief is Butler wants a short-term deal, that way when the NBA’s salary cap explodes after next season, he can then sign a bigger maximum contract. With Butler being a restricted free agent, the Bulls have the power to match any sheet he’s offered once free agency begins.

Also, the rumored tension between Butler and Derrick Rose could more than just a rumor

Before everyone freaks out, there’s nothing of substance as of now to the Rose-Butler beef, but the guys over at SB Nation’s Blog-A-Bull made a good point:

They’re right. It’s one thing when persistent Chicago media trolls like Sun-Times Bulls columnist Joe Cowley and CBS Chicago’s Dan Bernstein float some rumors out into the open, but when established media members like Johnson and Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski mention something, it’s worth taking a little note of it.

If Rose’s injury issues persist, what’s a realistic option?

Sadly, there’s no telling what to expect from Derrick Rose after his recent stretch of knee injuries, so the Bulls do have to prepare themselves for life after Rose at some point.

By drafting Portis, they did fill a need, but there’s no realistic options behind Rose at the point guard position. Kirk Hinrich does have a player option for this season, but he isn’t a short-term or a long-term answer, while Aaron Brooks is a UFA and E’Twaun Moore has a team option for next season.

This issue could be addressed if the Bulls do in fact, pursue trading Joakim Noah or Taj Gibson, but heading into this year as of now, this could turn into a dangerous situation for the Bulls.

Next: Bobby Portis apologized for past tweets about Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol

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