Chicago Bulls: 4 former players they could pursue in 2021 free agency

Mar 4, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward James Johnson (16) and Chicago Bulls forward Thaddeus Young (21) chase a loose ball in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward James Johnson (16) and Chicago Bulls forward Thaddeus Young (21) chase a loose ball in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 4
Chicago Bulls
James Johnson, Dallas Mavericks. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls former player they could pursue this offseason: James Johnson

James Johnson is a respected veteran that has proven valuable at many points during his long NBA career. He could bring some of that value to the Chicago Bulls next season and is the best fit among the players listed so far.

The veteran forward is physical, which is a trend in who the Bulls could bring back if you have not noticed yet. He’s also incredibly versatile and on the defensive end can guard opposing wings and big men.

That makes him a great frontcourt fit next to Vooch and a valuable asset for rookie forward Patrick Williams to learn from. Picking his brain would help accelerate the development of Williams on the defensive end of the court.

More from Pippen Ain't Easy

Johnson played 78 games for the Chicago Bulls over the course of two seasons. It has been a decade since he rocked the Bulls jersey but many teams have gotten incredible contributions from him in those ten years.

The Bulls could sign up to be the next team to get valued play and presence from Johnson. He was the team’s first-round draft selection back in 2009 and it would be a nice way to see things come full circle by bringing him back to play an important role on the team next season.

James Johnson’s best years may have come with the Miami Heat, where he averaged 10.3 points per game over the course of 222 games.