Chicago Bulls: 4 key support pieces to add around Zach LaVine

Free agents the Chicago Bulls can add to support Zach LaVine: Frank Ntilikina

A common theme on this list is getting defensive help for LaVine on the perimeter or on the wing. LaVine is getting close to a point where he’s at least a net neutral presence on the defensive end of the floor for the Bulls, which wouldn’t be a bad thing necessarily if he saves that energy for increased efficiency and production on offense.

Among looming free agent targets that the Bulls could consider that would add a new dynamic to the backcourt rotation is the New York Knicks defensive stopper of a point guard and the 6-foot-4 and 200 pound Frank Ntilikina. As a tough point guard and premier defender at the position, Ntilikina would fit a very defined support role as a reserve for the Bulls.

In all likelihood, the Bulls could sign Ntilikina to a value contract out of restricted free agency if the Knicks don’t decide to bring him back. And although he improved his shooting percentages and a few other offensive counting stats this season, his role under former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks did decline as the year moved along.

A good sign is that Ntilikina shot nearly 48 percent from beyond the arc and 37 percent from the field (both better than his career averages). There is still some level of offensive growth remaining in Ntilikina’s game, and the defensive value he offers could be unparalleled at the price the Bulls could get him for this offseason.