Chicago Bulls: 4 restricted free agents worth spending lavishly on

Restricted free agents worth spending lavishly on for the Chicago Bulls: Talen Horton-Tucker

Finding defensive help on the wing might not be a big looming task for the Bulls’ front office this summer, which does make sense given how P-Will showed out during his rookie campaign. If head coach Billy Donovan wants to play Williams at the three next season, then the wing help on the defensive end of the floor isn’t very necessary.

Yet, pursuing an impending restricted free agent shooting guard/small forward like the former Iowa State Cyclone and Chicago native Talen Horton-Tucker would do more than just adding defensive help on the wing. The Los Angeles Lakers 20-year-old 6-foot-4 and 200-pound former second-round draft pick is likely going to be highly sought-after in free agency this summer.

Horton-Tucker started to show some real progress in his offensive game this season, and his defensive value is clear. He likely wouldn’t be a real candidate to crack the Bulls’ starting five if Karnisovas were to sign Horton-Tucker off of the restricted free agent market this offseason, but he could be a very critical part of this bench.

Finding postseason and championship-caliber experience in someone as young and promising as Horton-Tucker to get on the bench would be huge for Donovan and the Bulls heading into next season. If the next contract for Horton-Tucker stays in the range of $5-$7 million, it could at least be a consideration for the Bulls’ front office in this cycle of free agency.