The Chicago Bulls have an estimated $40 million in cap space this off-season. What will they choose to do with it?
Bulls fans across the globe rejoiced when it was made clear that the team would have approximately $40 million in cap space going into the 2018-19 offseason. Since then, rumors have surfaced about potential pickups like guards Marcus Smart, and Rodney Hood. While certainly is a good thing that this much cap space is available, there are some hurdles to overcome.
The recent draftees are going to need experience and this free-agent pool isn’t the most deep. In addition, Bulls VP John Paxson has already made it clear that the Bulls will “be cautious” in free agency this year, meaning there is more emphasis on keeping the young core. This statement will hold true this summer.
Most enticing options that fit in well with the team will be resigned
The aforementioned Marcus Smart and Rodney Hood provide immense potential to improve the Bulls’ roster this offseason. Smart is an elite defender that can still make plays at a high level while Hood provides consistent scoring and versatility at the wing. Both of these players could replace the lackluster back court options that the team has now. Players like Cameron Payne and Jerian Grant or even Antonio Blakeney likely aren’t long-term solutions to the reserve back court issues so acquiring some guards in free agency certainly sounds enticing to most.
However, it’s fairly unlikely that Chicago will end up with either of those guys because they’re restricted free agents and likely won’t want to come off of the bench on a rebuilding team. Marcus smart is currently only making around $6 million a year and played a crucial role for arguably the best team in the east this season. The Boston Celtics will almost certainly be inclined to hold onto him and match most offers. Meanwhile, Smart would likely only want to come off of the bench for an elite team like the Celtics as he has. Therefore, the probability of picking him up is very low.
Some restricted free agents don’t want a reserve role
Rodney Hood didn’t seem to enjoy his role with the Cleveland Cavaliers this postseason as he played just 15 minutes per game. Hood averaged an impressive 14.7 points per game as a starter on the Utah Jazz before being traded and knows what he’s capable of. The disconnect between the Cavaliers and Hood is mutual and he’s one of the restricted guards that may be able to leave. Much like Smart, Hood has been fairly underpaid up until now and he’s either going to want to go to a team that offers him a lot of money or a starting spot.
While the opportunity to grab Hood is there,it’s not necessarily going to happen. Zach Lavine occupies the starting 2 slot and the front office has no intentions to change that. With that being said, the most the Bulls can offer Hood is the 6th or 7th man role. This is a role a 15 point per game scorer isn’t expected to accept. If the Bulls were a consistent playoff contender right now, the story might be different.
What the team really needs is to add more depth and acquire more of a veteran presence. The free agency pool is very top heavy and the role players we’re looking for just don’t seem to be available due to them being restricted or looking for a bigger role. In short, the Bulls simply shouldn’t spend a lot for reserve players now that the core has almost been established. Even if the Bulls do offer someone like Hood or Smart a short contract for a considerable amount of money, their respective teams could always match the offer.
A superstar signing is likely not in the best interest of the franchise
As stated previously, the Bulls are very close to establishing an extremely solid young core of players assuming guys like Kris Dunn and Zach Lavine can stay healthy and are committed to building with the team long-term. Recently acquired draftees Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchinson fill the dire needs the roster had at the 3 and 5 spot while Lauri Markkanen had a historic rookie season and has already put on 10 pounds of muscle to try to improve on his weaknesses. The oldest player in that starting lineup is a mere 24 years old and the potential for a long-time super team is definitely there.
Although having a super young core is a really good thing in terms of the future, there definitely needs to be more of a veteran presence on the team aside from just Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday. With that being said, a superstar as the option to fill that void isn’t the best idea.
Don’t take this the wrong way, the right superstar could make this team even more scary than it already is. However, the wrong one could completely change the flow of the offense, therefore hindering the development of the young core. The Bulls have signified a direction and need to stick with it. The young core is appealing to prospects, but any star the Bulls could sign would instantly become the first option. That means a guy like Paul George or DeMarcus Cousins would take experience away from someone like Carter Jr or Hutchinson.
What kind of player is “the right superstar”?
Essentially, the right superstar is a subjective term and those stars would provide experience and a veteran presence. However, most of those guys are ball dominant players and would likely change the flow of the offense or move an important piece for the future. This isn’t very worth it to me considering that established superstars don’t have much more than 6-7 years left in the league. Furthermore, we can’t assume those stars will stay for that long.
Practically any superstar addition isn’t going to help as much as people may think. In this case, it’s better that the Bulls avoid this option.
What can the Bulls do?
Most Top-tier contributors are out of the question and superstars aren’t the best fit for the young roster. So, what should the Bulls do? Although the free agent pool is very top heavy and a lot of fans would like to see some fairly big names added to the roster, John Paxson said it best himself; the bulls need to “be cautious” this off-season.
High level contributors may not be available but adding a veteran presence like Lance Stephenson or a consistent sharpshooter like Joe Harris off the bench for under $10 million would greatly improve the depth of the roster.
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The Bulls could even take a shot at players like Trevor Ariza, Derrick Favors, or Avery Bradley to get the best of both worlds in terms of contribution and experience. All of those players are unrestricted and have been content with reserve roles in the past. It’s just a matter of whether or not they buy into what the Bulls have to offer for their careers.
In the end, fans will just have to wait and see what happens. However, expect any potential moves to be fairly subtle.