5 best superstars the Chicago Bulls (almost) landed since 2000

4. Dwight Howard

Year: 2012

Team he ended up with: Los Angeles Lakers

After his time with the Orlando Magic ran up, former All-Star center Dwight Howard was one of the biggest free agents to hit the open market in the summer of 2012. Before that time hit, there were trade rumors that included landing spots like the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls were looking to stock the frontcourt full with D-Rose and fellow All-Star selection and former Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah teaming up with Dwight. Rumors ahead of the 2011-12 NBA season saw Howard getting significant interest from GarPax that caught actual traction heading into the offseason that immediately followed.

The hype that was building for Howard to land with the Bulls led to speculation that this fan base would see the most success since the 1990’s dynasty teams. Howard would give D-Rose another legitimate superstar to run with and a huge defensive presence to pair alongside Noah down low.

The Bulls weren’t able to put a legit trade package together that appealed enough to the Magic to get in on the four-team deal that also included the Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers. Howard with the Lakers didn’t workout as anticipated, but he was still an All-Star selection and superstar that averaged better than 17.0 points per game and 12.0 rebounds.