Entering this cycle of free agency, the Chicago Bulls could have at least one or two guards they need to replace, including Denzel Valentine.
There are a handful of guards that the Chicago Bulls have to decide on whether to bring back this offseason. The Bulls have three guards that could hit the free agent market this offseason, if they don’t decide to hand them a qualifying offer or re-sign them. While the most significant of the bunch would be point guard Kris Dunn, there are two others that were at least a decent part of the rotation too.
Significant decisions still loom for the Bulls new look front office regime as to whether to bring back the likes of defensive standout combo guard Shaquille Harrison and shooting guard Denzel Valentine. Harrison did have an efficient stint down the stretch for the Bulls, prior to the pause back in mid-March. But the production from Valentine was a bit more inconsistent.
Valentine would be one of the more intriguing restricted free agents that hit the market this offseason. The former Michigan State Spartans product and 2016 NBA Draft Lottery pick never found much traction with the Bulls.
During the 2019-20 season, Valentine played in 36 games (starting in five of them). He averaged 6.8 points per game, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks. Valentine shot 40.9 percent from the field, 33.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 75.0 percent from the free-throw line.
At least Valentine was healthy for some bit of last season, but his production waned down the stretch, as did his role within this rotation. While there is still a chance that the Bulls could re-sign Valentine, it’s not likely that he’ll be around in Chicago next season.
Here’s a look int four potential free agents that the Bulls could replace Valentine with this offseason.