The Chicago Bulls will look to take the next steps in building a roster that can compete in the eastern conference during the 2021 NBA offseason. We’re looking far ahead and the team can still grow a lot during the rest of this season, but point guard will be atop their team needs once this season does end.
It’s very likely to be their biggest need, barring an emergence from young point guard Coby White. Not only would it require improved play from White but also additions to his game that shouldn’t be expected. White is best suited long term as a scoring guard, and with Zach LaVine slotted in the starting five, White seems like a fit in a featured sixth man role.
A few potential free agents aren’t on this list for a couple of reasons. For example, Chris Paul has a player option that is widely expected to be picked up due to his age and the money he’s set to make by accepting it. Jrue Holiday can also opt for free agency by declining his player option. While he may decline it, many expect him to only do so in order to lock up a long-term contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Some currently unknown factors will be more clear when the offseason rolls around for the Bulls, as well. An assumption I’m willing to make is that White will be looked to fill a role off the bench still moving forward. That means the top point guard targets for the Bulls are players that fit into the starting five but could also play minutes next to White. As a result, the best fits are players that defend well and can shoot. The ability to play a secondary role to locked-in starters next year Nikola Vucevic and LaVine is also a bonus.
When looking at fits, we must always take into consideration players’ age and what kind of money it will take to sign them. That goes along with things like roster fit, system fit and style of play that are always factors being considered.
First, we must touch on the players who didn’t make the cut for the Bulls best 2021 free agent point guard fits.