Chicago Bulls: 3 possible ramifications of missing the playoffs

Less viable star free agent targets

This is an obvious ramification that exists when almost any team with a building but largely unproven roster (at least in terms of postseason success) misses out on the playoffs. Less big-time free agents this offseason could find it appealing to want to play here and look to other teams that could put them in a place to contend quicker.

Good examples of that could be looming free agents like Atlanta Hawks power forward John Collins, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, and New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball, among others. Since the Bulls really do need to upgrade at the point guard position this offseason, this is a notable storyline worth following.

This is a much more fruitful cycle of free agency, despite top stars like Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Clippers forward Paul Geoge getting contract extensions last offseason. The first cycle of free agency that Karnisovas and Eversley had together was last year, and all it yielded for the Bulls was the signing of the former Nets veteran Temple.

This time around, expect significant changes by way of the free agent market. But the pickings might be slimmer for the Bulls at this point than originally anticipated.

A lot of the potential buy-in that big-time free agent targets have in coming to the Windy City will surround the promise of the star duo of LaVine and Vooch. LaVine still has yet to make it to the postseason in his seven years in the NBA, but this is nearly the closest he’s got so far.