One player at each position for the Chicago Bulls to target this summer: Derrick Jones Jr., SF
A past free agent target of the Bulls that the front office didn’t get to sign last offseason is the Portland Trail Blazers uber-athletic 6-foot-5 and 210-pound small forward Derrick Jones Jr. The Bulls could solidify some of their wing defense, and get a continuously improving offensive forward in the form of Jones Jr.
It didn’t look like Jones Jr. was the fit intended with now former head coach Terry Stotts with the Trail Blazers this season. His offensive efficiency, defensive numbers, and shooting, all took a step back this season. But that might be able to afford the Bulls the opportunity to sign Jones Jr. at a portion of the price tag that they would’ve last offseason.
Buying low on Jones Jr. does make a lot of sense. And since the Bulls could use some defensive help in the wing rotation heading into next season (and they might not have much cap room to work with), signing Jones Jr. could be a good situation for all parties involved. Jones Jr. does have one year remaining on his current contract, but that’s all the Bulls would be committed to.
Forming a trade with the Trail Blazers might not be all that difficult either this offseason, with all of the turmoil occurring right now in Portland.
Honorable Mention: Justise Winslow
If the Bulls front office is willing to take a risk on a past injury-prone wing for the potential of a lofty reward, then the former Duke Blue Devils small forward Justise Winslow should be their guy. With a thin wing free agent class set for this summer, Winslow could be a good under-the-radar target for the Bulls.