Chicago Bulls: 4 forwards that fit better than Lauri Markkanen

Forwards that are better fits with the Chicago Bulls than Lauri Markkanen: Will Barton

Although he would force Williams to be the Bulls’ starter at the four if he were to fit in the starting unit, signing the Nuggets shooting guard/small forward Will Barton seems like an ideal move for Chicago. The 30-year-old Maryland native could be an intriguing piece for the Bulls on the wing. And this is a depth need for Karnisovas and the Bulls to fill either way.

Barton obviously wouldn’t fill the exact same role for the Bulls that Markkanen did in the past few seasons. But he could be more of a switchable piece that acts as a sort of veteran glue on the wing connecting LaVine and Williams. Or the Bulls could find someone else to start at the four and let Williams continue to get the start at the three.

That would mean that, if the Bulls signed Barton, he could be one of their top pieces coming off an improved bench. Barton would obviously be a tremendous upgrade for this bench on the wing. He could also help mentor the 21-year-old former Washington Wizards shooting guard/small forward Troy Brown Jr.

In recent years, Barton showed the ability to be a very multiple skill set in most rotations. He is a solid shooter from deep, can work as a tertiary ball-handler, works well in multiple different offensive systems, and he’s a good one-on-one defender. Those are all plusses for the Bulls if the asking price for Barton is attainable this summer.