Chicago Bulls: 3 cheap wings to target in free agency

With the Chicago Bulls looking to make a push for the playoffs next season, they should look to be big buyers in free agency. And with the impending departure of Lauri Markkanen seeming more and more likely, things will begin to open up more on the wings for the front office to make some moves (assuming second-year man Patrick Williams moves up to the four).

The Bulls have a need on the wing, and here are some options that the team could turn to fill those needs this summer.

Chicago Bulls cheap wing targets: Reggie Bullock – New York Knicks

When it comes to plugging the gaps in this Bulls roster, the defense should be at the top of the list. The Bulls finished last season 12th in defensive efficiency, showing that Billy Donovan does have a solid system in place for team defense. But looking at the individual defenders on the roster, and there’s a lot to be desired. Outside of Patrick Williams and Daniel Theis, none of the essential players on the roster are known to be great defenders.

Bringing in someone like Reggie Bullock gives the Bulls another seasoned vet who is reliable on defense. While not the biggest ceiling-raising move, his combination of shooting (41 percent from 3-of-6 attempts a game last season), and aforementioned defense provides much-needed stability. On top of this, Bullock can slot next to Williams, ensuring his development isn’t stunted.

Markieff Morris – Los Angeles Lakers

While not as good of a defender as Bullock, forward Markieff Morris has his own special qualities.

For starters, he provides a championship mentality to the Bulls that is non-existent across the roster. Between every single Bull, only two (Daniel Theis and Al-Farouq Aminu) have made it past the second round of the playoffs. Morris, who won a title with the Lakers in 2020 gives the Bulls that mental sharpness if they find themselves deep in the playoffs.

Another key quality about Morris is his combination of size and shooting. At 6-foot-9, and a 34 percent career three-point shooter, he gives the Bulls an option at small-ball center if need be. While that would require Donovan to bench All-Star Nikola Vucevic, it’s still an option worth having if need be. Overall, his combination of size, shooting, and experience at such a cheap price is something the Bulls won’t get out of many free agents in 2021.

James Johnson – New Orleans Pelicans

Finally, the former Bull could be an interesting option for the front office to explore. Drafted in 2009, in his first couple of seasons James Johnson didn’t really stand out, but he has the chance to potentially be a key rotation piece 12 years later.

While he doesn’t provide the shooting Morris or Bullock provide, he is another big body that can run either on the wings or as a small-ball five. In both Dallas and New Orleans this past season, he proved that he can make up for a lack of shooting by being a swiss army knife guy, doing a little bit of everything.

Averaging nine points, two assists and four rebounds in just 22 minutes in New Orleans, in short spurts Johnson has proven he can contribute to good NBA teams. While clearly the most unorthodox player on this list, his unpredictability could help the Bulls as they try to surprise teams in a playoff push this upcoming season.