1. Take a chance on a veteran forward
This is a similar point for the Chicago Bulls to what J.R. would be. If the Bulls wanted to take a chance on a true veteran forward, there’s only a handful of names that come to mind. The first that sticks out for almost any NBA team that needs a forward is going to be the former Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony.
What Melo would at least bring for the Bulls is a veteran presence in the locker room that could spark the offense off the bench. But I come back to the same point for Melo that a lot of other teams are likely afraid of if he’s signed this offseason. It might be very difficult to get him to take on a smaller role that won’t command a starting spot or as much usage.
Outside of Melo, the Bulls do have other decent options on the free agent market including the 31-year-old Quincy Pondexter, defensive stud Thabo Sefolosha, and a former NBA Champion Iman Shumpert. While the free agent market is much drier than it was two months ago, there’s still options that could work out for Boylen and the Bulls.
Melo would surely be the most polarizing signing the Bulls could make, but there’s also a huge downside to that idea. Picking up Shumpert or Sefolosha would be a much safer move that could also be viewed in a positive light by the fans. A veteran presence in the locker room could add depth and steady things out quickly.