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5 Realistic Free Agent Options For Chicago Bulls

By Jeremy Karll

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The draft has passed, and the Chicago Bulls came away with forward Bobby Portis from Arkansas. While Portis may add depth to the Bulls frontcourt, they still have a couple of questions marks on their current roster. Of course, everyone wishes the Bulls could bring in a top of the line free agent like Kawhi Leonard or LaMarcus Aldridge, but we all know that won’t happen. Here are some realistic free agents that the Bulls could add to their team this offseason.

1. Jimmy Butler

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This one is a no-brainer but still worth mentioning. Butler is coming off the best season of his career where he set career-highs in PPG, RPG and APG, and he is now looking for his big payday. To go along with Butler’s newly-found offense, he is one of the best defensive wing players in the game. No one has ever questioned his tough defense, being named to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team two years in a row now, but his scoring has made Butler one of the best two-way players in the game. In the Bulls playoff series against Cleveland, he was a big reason the Bulls held LeBron James to 26.2 PPG, the lowest in any playoff series for James this year. A year ago, no one expected Butler to command max-dollar money, but this past season he proved that he should be a player the Bulls build around. It’s a little risky to give Butler that much money after just one good season, but after trading Luol Deng last year, the Bulls need to keep this defensive wing defender to guard James.

2. Mo Williams

Mo Williams has already expressed interest in going back to Cleveland, and the Cavaliers would be more than happy to have him back. Williams made his only career All-Star appearance with Cleveland back in 2009, but the Cavaliers may not have enough money if they want to bring both Kevin Love and J.R. Smith back. Either way, the Bulls should go hard after the scoring point guard. Williams will be entering his 13th season of his career, but last year he averaged an impressive 14.2 PPG and 6.2 APG with Minnesota and Charlotte. The Bulls were a middle of the road team offensively last year and only averaged 100.8 PPG (15th best). Williams could help. Adding Fred Hoiberg is a start as he is an offensive mind that will have the team play at a faster tempo than Tom Thibodeau did. However, he needs pieces, and the Bulls are in need of a veteran point guard that will be able to let Rose rest more this season. Williams is coming off one of the best years of his career, and the quick point guard would thrive under Hoiberg’s offense.

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jeremy Lin

Don’t look too much into Jeremy Lin losing his job to rookie Jordan Clarkson last year. However, that won’t stop the criticism towards Lin, something he’s been getting a lot after signing a huge contract with Houston a couple of years ago. What people need to understand is that Lin is never going to be a great player in the NBA, but he is a solid backup. He’s able to score by shooting or driving to the basket and is an above average passer as he averaged 6.1 APG in 2012/2013 with Houston, where he started all 82 games. Last year, Lin didn’t fit Byron Scott‘s system, and it showed. He struggled but was still able to average 11.2 PPG and 4.6 APG in 74 games with the Lakers. The Bulls aren’t looking for their next MVP point guard in free agency, what they are looking for is a solid backup. Lin would be able to give the Bulls solid minutes off the bench, and being an offensive minded guard fits right into what the Bulls are trying to do this year with Hoiberg.

4. Gerald Green

I never thought Gerald Green would be an option for the Bulls, but the athletic guard would be a great fit in Hoiberg’s high pace offense. Green is one of the most athletic players in the NBA, and his ability to shoot the three makes him a lethal threat offensively. The Bulls are in need of a backup small forward as we’re still not sure what to expect from McDermott. Green is also able to play both shooting guard and small forward, something that would be very useful to the Bulls. Butler led the league in MPG (38.7) last year, mostly due to not having a solid backup behind him, but Green could fill that void. He is one of the most athletic players in the NBA, and his versatility would be a huge asset for the Bulls. Even though he isn’t great defensively, the Bulls seem to be going more of an offensive route since hiring Hoiberg.

Apr 8, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks center Amar

5. Arron Afflalo

Arron Afflalo will turn 30 right before the start of the season and is coming off his worst year since 2010/2011. So, why would the Bulls go after him? Well, Afflalo is a seasoned veteran who has proven he can shoot, something the Bulls need. They drafted McDermott last year thinking he would be the team’s three-point specialist, but injuries and lack of playing time limited his growth last year. Afflalo is a career 38.5% three-point shooter, and you can count on him to get you 10-15 points every game. Last year with Portland he was never able to find his shot and struggled the last 25 games of the regular season before shooting a miserable 16.7% in three postseason games. After a bad ending to the season, Afflalo may come at a cheaper price, but expect him to get back to his normal play no matter where he ends up next season.

Next: Would Bulls Trade Rose To Keep Butler?

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