Chicago Bulls: 3 early free agency targets for next offseason

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DeMar DeRozan (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Expensive: DeMar DeRozan – Shooting Guard/Small Forward, San Antonio Spurs

Assuming that the Bulls do bring back Markkanen and want to spend into the luxury tax next season, DeMar DeRozan could be an intriguing option.

Arguably whiffed on as an All-Star candidate this year, DeRozan is quietly having arguably his most complete season on a very underrated Spurs team who sit seventh in the West. Averaging 20.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, DeRozan has evolved his game to become a much better passer than he showed in Toronto. And with better offensive weapons alongside him in the forms of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, he could turn into a de facto point guard on the wing, conducting the offense without the need to bring in another guard.

Of course, he wouldn’t solve the defensive issues on the roster, but with so much firepower between the 3 of them (coupled with Coby White and Lauri), the Bulls could easily end up out-scoring teams. Finally, there were slight rumors of a potential DeRozan to Chicago deal before the deadline, so the interest is there from the Bulls.

Next. 3 new teammates Nikola Vucevic can elevate. dark

This would be the ultimate all-in move, a signal to the rest of the NBA that Chicago intends to compete now. And while this could worry some fans that it’s coming too soon, if the new front office has proven anything, it’s that they are prepared to take the calculated risks needed to get Chicago back into win now mode.

Alternatives: Victor Oladipo, Kyle Lowry, Mike Conley