It seems like most of the Bulls rumors swirling around at the moment concern players that could be added to the roster this offseason. But not all of the players that the Bulls have to worry about come courtesy of those potential free agent targets this summer. Current Bulls players/impending free agents this summer also command the headlines in the coming weeks.
One particular player to watch that a lot of Bulls fans would want back heading into next season is the former Boston Celtics center, Daniel Theis. As one of the most valued impending unrestricted free agents for the Bulls this summer, it would be nice if Theis could still occupy a spot in the frontcourt rotation next season for head coach Billy Donovan.
Theis was a really solid fit with the Bulls down the stretch last season. The Bulls got him in a trade deadline deal with the Boston Celtics that also landed the team defensive standout shooting guard Javonte Green.
Bulls rumors compounding now involving the free agency of Daniel Theis
Theis contributed in a meaningful way down the stretch during the regular season alongside fellow newly acquired big man and two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic. Having those two back in the frontcourt unit next season would be huge for the Bulls.
Yet, there appears to be a number of suitors lining up to see what it takes to sign Theis this summer. According to a report from Chris Fedor of cleveland.com on July 27, the Houston Rockets could now be one of the teams trying to pursue Theis in free agency next month.
The Rockets reportedly are looking to fill a need in the frontcourt unit this summer that could help contribute to speeding up the rebuild. Houston also has the second overall pick on the night of the 2021 NBA Draft to potentially spark that rebuild in the very near future.
But Bulls fans have to be hoping that the front office in Chicago can stave off competing teams like the Rockets to re-sign Theis in free agency this summer. Another hope is that the price tag on Theis isn’t driven up too high.
Theis had a solid run with the Bulls down the stretch last season. In 23 games played with the Bulls post-deadline last season, Theis averaged 10.0 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks. And he shot 52.2 percent from the field, 28.1 percent from beyond the arc, and 65.1 percent from the free-throw line.