Chicago Bulls: Why this team can push for the playoffs next season?
By Adi Bhatta
Offseason additions for the Chicago Bulls to compliment Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic
Even with NBA Free Agency still a couple of months away, it would not be too farfetched to assume that the Bulls will be making some moves. With the contracts of Felicio, Markkanen, Valentine, and even Temple all potentially coming off the books, the Bulls suddenly have a decent amount of money to chase players.
While it isn’t enough to potentially get a max-level player, surrounding this roster with talent that fits may prove to be even better than getting another star.
If what Karnisovas said during the NBA trade deadline holds true, then Bulls fans should not worry about this team falling into the trap of mediocrity.
"“We’re serious about the culture of being very competitive, and any opportunity we get to make this team better we will.” (per Bleacher Nation)"
It is no secret there are glaring issues with this Bulls team, but it is also important to remember that the Bulls are one of the few teams in the NBA with two All-Star level players. This coupled with the chance to play for one of the most basketball-rich cultures in the NBA may be enough to sway some notable free agents the Bulls way.
It’s important to remember that Karnisovas was the assistant GM (and then later the outright GM) of the Denver Nuggets team that currently holds an MVP talent in Nikola Jokic and a couple of other All-Star level talents in Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray.
Karnisovas has proven he has a strong eye for talent in the NBA, and Bulls fans should put their trust in him to build a roster around both LaVine and Vucevic.
Next. 3 priorities in free agency for the Bulls. dark
Finally, having a training camp and pre-season with Vucevic and the other new additions from free agency should do coach Billy Donovan a world of good in finally nailing down a proper rotation and properly integrating all the new guys. At the end of the day, some time and a full season together should be enough to send the Bulls into their first playoff birth since 2017.