Chicago Bulls: Who stays and who needs to go?

Finding a point guard that can lead this team to the playoffs has been plaguing the Chicago Bulls for years, now is the time to address the issue.

KEEP: Coby White

For the Chicago Bulls, the main core seems locked in. The team seems set around building around the All-Star duo of LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. Meanwhile, Patrick Williams looks like the future at the wing. But what about Coby White? White’s combo guard versatility and undeniable scoring ability make him an x-factor that could ultimately change the direction of this Bulls team.

Posting an average stat line of 15.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in just his sophomore season is no small feat. Unfortunately, Coby will be missing a crucial offseason due to shoulder surgery rehabilitation. If he manages to make the leap to becoming a dependable playmaking shot-creator next to LaVine, the Bulls could save money and assets by solving the point guard problem internally instead of overpaying in free agency.

OUT: Ryan Arcidiacono

On one hand, Ryan Arcidiacono is the type of player every team wants in their locker room; on the other hand, Arcidiacono is probably the last player you want to see on the court in the playoffs. His hustle and grind style of play is perfect for developing a culture and providing a spark during the regular season, but he isn’t the long-term solution for point guard depth.

Arcidiacono is on a $3 million team option next season. Considering Chicago’s cap-strapped situation, they’ll probably be looking to cut costs wherever possible in hopes of attracting a difference-maker in free agency. If nothing else Ryan, the United Center front row seats will miss your extra possession-chasing antics.

ON THE FENCE: Tomas Satoransky

In many ways, Tomas Satoransky is in the same boat as Thaddeus Young. Satoransky is a solid role player who would help contribute to almost any contending team. That being said, he’s owed $10 million next season ⁠— only half of which is guaranteed. I think Satoransky makes this team better, but freeing up his salary may ultimately be the better decision.

For example, the Bulls can cut him outright and open up $5 million in cap space. On the other hand, they could trade him away to a team that either wants him or doesn’t mind having his dead cap space. Chicago could also attempt to include Satoransky in a sign-and-trade with Lauri Markkanen to organize a deal that fills a hole in the roster.

At the same time, an argument could be made that Satoransky is more valuable than whoever we could get in free agency or on the trade market. Ultimately, I trust in Karnisovas’ ability to maximize his assets and put Satoransky in a position to succeed, whether that happens to be in Chicago or not.