Chicago Bulls: 5 keys to making the playoffs next year

By Luke Askew | Apr 29, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 15: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers congratulates Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls after the game on March 15, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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5. Free agency signings

When the Bulls decided to bring Otto Porter Jr. and his contract to the Windy City, they knew they were limiting their flexibility for this summer. Next season, Porter will make a little over $27 million. The year after that? $28 million. That’s a lot of money, but Porter’s worth it. He makes a positive impact on a team that needs every inch of positivity they can find.

Porter was basically the Bulls’ big free agency move this year. It came by way of a trade, but the overall impact of the move feels more like a free agency signing.

Yes, the Bulls are limited in cap space this summer, but free agency is still a good time to pick up valuable guys. Signing big names to big contracts isn’t the only way to make a splash. There’s immense value in adding winning role players to a young roster.

Whether it’s bringing in a veteran point guard like Derrick Rose or a three-and-D wing like Danny Green, the Bulls need to use the remainder of their money on guys that can increase their depth.

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