Offseason focus: What’s next for the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls recently introduced new draft picks Wendell Carter, Jr. and Chandler Hutchison. Now, the franchise heads into the summer with some interesting options and facing some questions about how to use their cap space. Let’s take a look at what’s next for the Bulls.
In theory, at least to most Chicago Bulls fans, Chicago should be a desirable destination for NBA stars. As a world-class city, it boasts a fanatical fanbase, great nightlife and a franchise with a storied history. However, as witnessed in New York and Los Angeles, none of that matters until the Bulls are ready to compete for championships.
The Lakers may finally get their guys in Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George this summer. Still, non-competitive teams in the largest markets have continually been passed over by the NBA elite.
So, the questions for the Bulls remains, how do they get to that level? How do they finally get their coveted big name free agent?
The Bulls must maintain salary cap discipline
The Bulls currently have great salary cap flexibility with approximately $26 million in space to use. Salary cap management is the key in taking the leap from playoff hopeful to championship contender. If utilized correctly, the Bulls could use this space to acquire future draft picks. The Bulls could absorb “bad” contracts of teams looking to dump salary by attaching draft picks in the trades. Draft picks are increasing valuable in this era and the more picks teams stash in their treasure trove, the better.
This off-season, the Bulls know the elite free agents are not packing their bags for the Windy City. As such, it’s important the Bulls don’t get enticed by the free agency frenzy in 2018. They should stay away from any long-term contracts, save for Zach LaVine. There are some attractive mid-level free agents available, but the Bulls need to stay away from any multi-year deal.
If they want to get in the good graces of some key power brokers, maybe offer lucrative one-year deals, but signing bad contracts cripples franchises.
Last season, the Lakers signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one year deal for $18 million. Clearly an overpay, however, Caldwell-Pope’s agent happens to be Rich Paul. Guess who he represents? None other than the king himself, Lebron James. That strategy just might work itself out for the Lakers. They gained access to Lebron through his agent and built a relationship that may end with Lebron wearing a Laker jersey next season.
Chicago Bulls should keep Zach LaVine, but don’t overpay for him
Zach LaVine’s restricted free agency is an interesting situation for the Chicago Bulls. Apparently, they may not be sold on his potential to be the player they hoped. That in itself is frustrating, as it’s questionable why they gave up Jimmy Butler for a player they may walk away from after one year. However, it’s too soon to give up on LaVine. The best possible outcome for both sides would likely be a 2-plus-1 type of year worth about $18 million annually. LaVine will certainly want more length on his deal, but coming off an ACL injury and only 24 games last year, his options might be limited.
If Sacramento or any other team swoops in with a max contract offer for LaVine, the Bulls would be best to walk away. While still only 23, LaVine isn’t ready for a max offer from the Bulls at 5 years and $147 million. Even if another team signed LaVine to an offer sheet worth $20 million annually, that should be enough to give the Bulls pause.
Keep developing the young talent
As a young team, it’s important that Fred Hoiberg continues to develop his young guns. Lauri Markkanen should be the focal point of the offense going forward. His development alongside Wendell Carter, Jr and Chandler Hutchison is crucial this season. The game plan should start with how to get Markkanen the ball early and often. While Robin Lopez can serve as a mentor, Carter should be starting at center on opening night.
Kris Dunn needs to take another step this season as well. While reports surfaced that the Bulls weren’t satisfied with his off-season, he’s their guy. Everything starts with how successful Dunn can be running the offense and being a defensive catalyst.
Bobby Portis should be effective as the 6th man this season. His energy and activity has the Bulls brass excited and he may get an contract extension before the season opener. He appears to be a big part of the Bulls plans going forward.
As intriguing as it may be for the Bulls to go after Marcus Smart or Rodney Hood, the Bulls simply shouldn’t. A much more inexpensive alternative to Smart would be their own free agent, David Nwaba. They have similar games and play with chips on their shoulders, but Nwaba is already in the system and won’t cost as much.
Stay true to the plan
The Bulls obviously want to get back to the playoffs sooner than later. However, they shouldn’t settle for quick fixes. It’s clear they have a plan for how to succeed and it appears to be working. The key going forward will be to stick to that plan and not deviate for mid-level for free agents no matter how enticing.
Next: The Bulls have to sign Zach LaVine to a deal
This roster has a lot of young talent that still needs to be developed and now isn’t the time to sign complimentary pieces. The Bulls will get there shot at big name free agents, but they need to be prepared for it. What they do this off-season may determine how soon that opportunity will be.