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Chicago Bulls: 3 veteran free agents worth pursuing

By Austin Carroll

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 27: Joakim Noah #55 and CJ Miles #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies high five during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 27, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 27: Joakim Noah #55 and CJ Miles #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies high five during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 27, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Any great team would attest to the value an experienced leader brings to a locker room. Here’s a few veterans the Chicago Bulls should target this summer.

As the 2018-2019 season winds down, the Chicago Bulls must already be directing their eyes to this summer in hopes of building bigger and better things. Although the Chicago Bulls made positive strides over the course of the year, the front office will likely need to enlist some outside help to get over the hump and into playoff contention.

After the draft, the Chicago Bulls have a projected cap space of approximately $20 million. This should be ample room for a team without many glaring holes in the starting lineup. With the primary focus on developing their current team instead of importing new and expensive players, they can instead take a look at cheaper options to round out the roster.

Considering only one member of the team is over the age of 26, the Bulls boast one of the youngest rosters in the league. Chicago’s backup center Robin Lopez has already demonstrated the immense value of having a battle-tested veteran that can help develop the young guys and step up into the spotlight when needed.

When rookie Wendell Carter Jr. required surgery for his torn left thumb, Lopez did exactly that. Since being promoted to the starting lineup, Lopez has averaged an impressive 12.5 points and 5 rebounds per game.

Unfortunately, Robin’s contract expires at the end of the season and he may be persuaded to join another team in pursuit of championship hopes. If he decides to bolt, the Bulls should make finding a replacement for the ex-leadership committee member a priority.

Here’s an in-depth look at a few interesting options the Chicago Bulls may pursue in their search for seasoned locker room leaders.