Underrated Chicago Bulls FA targets to watch down the stretch: Dante Exum*
I put an asterisk next to Dante Exum‘s name since he could wind up missing the rest of the regular season due to a lower-body injury. But a chance still remains that he could return for the Cleveland Cavaliers before the end of the regular season slate. If he does return for the Cavs down the stretch this season, there’s no doubt in my mind that he could be a good free agent target to watch for the Bulls.
A big looming need exists for the Bulls to get a solid two-way point guard in the rotation. And while Exum likely wouldn’t fill that role in the starting five for Donovan and the Bulls, he could be a solid piece for the backcourt rotation off the bench. Exum is a former top 10 draft pick that had a lot of hype as a promising perimeter defender, given his stout physical tools, and his playmaking ability.
Both of those parts of Exum’s skill set should make him a player that the Bulls at least consider in free agency this offseason.
Exum split last season between the Cavs and the Utah Jazz. But he hasn’t played in all that many games this season as he’s continued to struggle with injury troubles. The injury risk and lack of development in his game so far in his career would be the biggest red flags that could keep the Bulls away from Exum in free agency this offseason.
Nonetheless, Exum could be a solid low-risk option for the Bulls to look into come the next cycle of free agency. He would give something that the Bulls don’t really have among their point guards on the roster right now. He’s a more versatile playmaker and a better defender than Coby White and is a more confident primary ball-handler than Tomas Satoransky.