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The Bulls’ Top Five Attainable Free Agents

By Alex Kirschenbaum

Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Hassan Whiteside and the Chicago Bulls. Would that work?
Apr 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Hassan Whiteside

Yes, he’d require something very close to a maximum contract and promises of more touches to be pried away from Miami.

Yes, he’s a wild child whose volatility can be tough to reign in.

Yes, Chicago prefers “high character” guys.

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    • Yes, the Bulls already have the immortal Robin Lopez on what is now a great below-market contract.

    But here’s the thing: Whiteside is just 27, he’s a two-way monster in the paint, and he’s just coming off his first full NBA season (i.e. his legs are remarkably fresh for his age).

    In his first season as the Bulls’ head coach, Fred Hoiberg struggled to hold his players accountable and get them to play in his desired pace-oriented offense.

    Well, hey, how about giving him a trial by fire with a player who’s actually been stigmatized with the dreaded “difficult” tag?

    Whiteside is terrific, quite possibly a franchise-level center and can get even better. He’s also in real danger of missing out on the full max, due to the aforementioned wild child antics. If the market cools on him a bit, he is exactly the kind of high-upside piece that could be pried away from Pat Riley by a hard-charging team.

    As GarPax just proved last week, they actually are amenable to taking risks this summer. Whiteside’s youth is also imperative for another reason: the Bulls, even with a Whiteside-Butler core and space for little else, wouldn’t be much more than a low playoff seed in the East.

    But Whiteside wants money. The title contention can come later. He’s got time.

    Max this guy out and see what he can do.

    Next: Bonus free agent option!

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