Chicago Bulls: 4 early star free agent targets to watch

Early stars to watch for the Chicago Bulls in free agency: John Collins

Potentially the most high-stakes restricted free agent that is out there this summer is the Atlanta Hawks power forward and former Wake Forest Demon Deacon John Collins. Few big men were as effective down the stretch last season, especially those under the age of 25, than Collins.

While it is expected that the Hawks are going to try to hand Collins a lofty raise in re-signing him this offseason, other teams will be allowed to make pitches to him. This is more of an opportunity to sign Collins out of restricted free agency than most originally anticipated this summer. The common school of thought was that the Hawks would just re-sign Collins no problem.

Collins seems to be an integral part of the Hawks future, alongside the likes of star point guard Trae Young, guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, and big man Clint Capela. But the dynamic duo that the Hawks run the entire system through is Collins and Young.

If there is even a slight chance that the Bulls could have to make a pitch to Collins, and AK proceeds with letting fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen walk, then contact should at least be made. Collins could really help the Bulls form a true big three along with star shooting guard Zach LaVine and center Nikola Vucevic.

Collins would also be a good fit for the Bulls playing between Vooch and forward Patrick Williams. There would be a lot to like about the Bulls pursuing Collins, it’s just unlikely that a deal could get done here.