4) Chicago Bulls 2021 FA targets ahead of 20-21 season
Another potentially underrated guard option that Karnisovas and the Bulls could turn to on the free agent market is the former Indiana Hoosier and the Indiana Pacers talented 28-year-old Victor Oladipo. This talented and athletic former Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder guard is looking to return to form in the 2020-21 campaign.
The two-time NBA All-Star selection, one-time All-NBA Team selection, and the 2017-18 steals champ, didn’t show up the same in his return from injury last season. And he got poked in the eye to round out last season in the Pacers first round playoff series against the eventual Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat. We didn’t really get to see what Dipo could do down the stretch for multiple injury reasons last season.
If Dipo continues to get his game back to where it was prior to his quad injury that he suffered at the latter end of the 2018-19 regular season, then he might be a potential steal in the 2021 free agent cycle for another team.
As long as the Pacers don’t re-sign him heading into next offseason, Dipo is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the next cycle.
Moreover, during the shortened 2019-20 regular season, Dipo played in 19 games with the Pacers (all but three of which he started in). And he averaged 14.5 points per game, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.2 blocks. Dipo shot 39.4 percent from the field, 31.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 81.4 percent from the free-throw line.
Dipo has the makings of a real value signing in the next cycle of free agency, as long as the number of suitors lining up for his services isn’t too lengthy. The Bulls should keep an eye on his status heading into next offseason.