Chicago Bulls: Signing Julius Randle is possible with salary cap

The Julius Randle options

Randle passed on the opportunity to play alongside Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram again after Anthony Davis was traded from the Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Randle’s time in Los Angeles lasted four seasons, but when the Lakers had the opportunity to sign LeBron James, Randle’s rights were renounced and New Orleans signed him.

Randle’s future is expected to be impacted by where the larger free agents land. Teams such as the Knicks and Nets have been reported to have interest in Randle.

Both the Knicks and Nets prefer to land multiple franchise stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and D’Angelo Russell; while the Bulls are focused on veterans and any talent they can afford.

Another factor in where Randle plays depends on his role with a team. Entering his mid-twenties and potentially his prime, playing off the bench may not be an option for him.

A talent like Randle off the bench, however, would work with Chicago and his defensive problems would not impact the outcome of games as much. He averaged a career-high 30.6 minutes per game last season and started 49 of 73 games.

Sunday night cannot come any sooner for Randle and the Bulls. The front office’s priorities should be trading Felicio as well as waiving Harrison and Lemon Jr. in order to free up space to sign free agents like Randle.

With the Eastern Conference being shaken up this summer signing Randle could boost the roster and get the Bulls back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17.

There are no more excuses for the Bulls in free agency. The front office has a chance to put the finishing touches on what could be a playoff roster after a successful NBA Draft.