Chicago Bulls: 3 early free agency targets for next offseason
By Adi Bhatta
Moderately Priced: Kelly Oubre Jr – Forward/Guard, Golden State Warriors
Now is when a little bit of financial gymnastics has to occur. The Bulls, coming into next season already owe $99 million in the cap, and with the salary cap reportedly going to be set at $112 million, with a $136 million luxury tax, the Bulls need to get creative if they want to add some high-level talent and retain most of the current roster.
Under the assumption that the Bulls only choose to bring back their 1 starter going into free agency (Lauri Markkanen), there are going to be large spots on the wings to fill, with both Denzel Valentine and Garett Temple departing.
On top of this, the Bulls still need to address the defensive issues on the wing that left them when they dealt Otto Porter Jr to Orlando. Outside of Patrick Williams, there is not much defense on the wings. And trusting a 19-year-old rookie to be a main defender on a playoff team feels like expecting too much.
Kelly Oubre Jr. solves all these issues and more. Averaging 15.2 points and 5.8 assists this season, he has proven both in his time in Phoenix and Golden State that he has the ability to get his own shot, while also being able to bring effort and energy defensively. On top of this, Oubre Jr. himself has expressed some discontent with reportedly having to come off the bench next season if he re-signs, suggesting he may not be too keen to and potentially leaving a window of availability for the Bulls to seize.
Alternatives: Josh Richardson, Derrick Jones Jr, Nicholas Batum