Targets that won’t break the bank No. 3: Richaun Holmes
Turning our focus back to the Bulls issues in the paint, Richaun Holmes could bring the physical interior presence Chicago is desperately lacking. Starting most of his games with the Kings over the last two seasons for one reason or another, Holmes has averaged 12-plus points both years while adding over eight rebounds and one block per game.
Since returning to the lineup at the end of February, Holmes is averaging 16 points and 10 boards while slashing .638/.500/.838 in 13 games.
The Kings have won just four games in that span as they once again appear rudderless.
Talks of Sacramento offering Marvin Bagley are funny, but Holmes could provide (and return) real value before the deadline. Shams Charania of The Athletic has reported both the Raptors and the Hornets have shown interest.
Going 5-5 over this last stretch might cloud the Kings’ judgment. And Holmes has expressed a desire to stay which could further muck things up for any team looking to add the 6-10 Bowling Green product to its frontcourt.
There isn’t much upside to Holmes’ game. You’re pretty much hoping for putbacks and lobs on the offensive end. But, depending on what they’d have to give up, the Bulls have enough offense around him. After all, this is a team that’s crept into the top-12 in scoring this season (though they’ve been 20th over their last 10 games).
At one year, $5 million, there are bound to be other suitors for Holmes as the actual deadline approaches. The Bulls could look to be one of them and improve two weak areas.
It’s tough finding the right offer for him though because he’s probably going to get more money than anyone should pay him next season. That means, at best, he’d likely be a one-year rental and it doesn’t look like he’s the missing piece to a seventh NBA championship in Chicago. But he could be a more complete version of Gafford who has been unplayable at times.