Remaining free agents that are realistic fits for the Chicago Bulls: Patrick Patterson
It seems like I mention it every day, but the best option for the Bulls to fill the looming need at the four is the four-time All-Star and former Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks veteran power forward Paul Millsap. But potentially the next best option to fill this looming need at the four after Millsap is the former Los Angeles Clippers veteran power forward Patrick Patterson.
The 32-year-old Washington D.C. native could be the most qualified power forward remaining in free agency if Millsap is scooped up soon. Patterson is still contributing at a respectable level in a role where he can play 15-20 minutes off the bench per night. And at this point, that’s about all the Bulls need in a backup at the four.
There’s also a chance that Patterson could give the Bulls more reliable two-way production than Markkanen. His ceiling isn’t as high, he’s not as lengthy, and the shooting stroke isn’t as potent, but Patterson would likely come cheaper to the Bulls. And he’s a better presence than Lauri on the defensive end of the floor.
Karnisovas showed an aptitude in the past for signing proven two-way veterans when other options are exhausted. Donovan could also use a presence like Patterson’s in the frontcourt unit.
Last offseason, the Bulls signed the new Pelicans veteran shooting guard Garrett Temple as a proven option to help boost the defense. The Bulls have a need now at the four, and Patterson is a proven and cost-effective veteran that could fill that role.