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Should the Chicago Bulls pursue DeAndre Jordan in free agency?

By Luke Askew

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 21: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on March 21, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DeAndre Jordan
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 21: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on March 21, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DeAndre Jordan /
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DeAndre Jordan can opt out of his contract with the Clippers this summer and become an unrestricted free agent. Should the Chicago Bulls pursue him if he does?

If DeAndre Jordan chooses to opt out of his contract this summer – making him an unrestricted free agent – there will be plenty of teams in the market for the former All-Star.

If the Chicago Bulls end up taking a big man like Mo Bamba or Wendell Carter Jr. with the No. 7 pick, then I would assume they would look to develop that player and not take a salary hit on a player like Jordan. However, if Michael Porter Jr. falls to No. 7 or the Bulls decide they like a playmaker like Trae Young, then I could definitely see them going after Jordan in free agency with a “win now” mindset.

My fear would be that Jordan would want a max contract. Unfortunately, he’s not worth that kind of money. He can’t space the floor and he’s a liability at the end of games due to his poor free throw shooting. But Jordan has made it known to the public that he wants to be somewhere he’s wanted. If the Bulls can make him feel wanted, maybe they can secure him to a three-year deal for around $45 million or so? That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?

This would give Jordan a chance to try something new, while also leaving the Bulls with some future flexibility.

Could the Bulls be a “win now” team with DeAndre Jordan? 

I honestly think they could be. But first, let’s define “win now.”

When I say that the Chicago Bulls could be a “win now” team with DeAndre Jordan, I’m not talking about an NBA Finals contender, I’m talking about getting into the playoffs and being a tough opponent to knock out in the first or second round. Remember the Bulls play in the East.

Let’s just say all the pieces fall into place and the Bulls draft Michael Porter Jr., resign Zach LaVine and sign DeAndre Jordan. Their starting lineup would be Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Michael Porter Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and DeAndre Jordan. That’s a serious lineup that could make some real noise – especially in the east.

Last season Jordan averaged 12.0 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. The 0.9 blocks per game is a little alarming for someone with his defensive ability – that should have been higher last season. Maybe he just wasn’t engaged on defense on a Clippers team that severely underachieved at the beginning of the season? Hopefully, he can step up on the defensive end in the seasons to come.

Also, Jordan’s fit next to Lauri Markkanen would be perfect. With Jordan’s ability to finish around the rim and Markkanen’s ability to space the floor, the Chicago Bulls could have one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the league. (Sidenote: It’s important to remember that if the Bulls were to sign DeAndre Jordan, they would likely trade Robin Lopez who is set to be the highest paid player on their team next season.)

Next: Bulls draft prospects: Battle of the Bridges

I think this is a long shot to actually happen, but it’s fun to think about. Even though the Bulls will likely be relatively dormant in free agency this summer, they could surprise us all with a big signing like this.