5 more players the Bulls could sign via the hardship exemption if needed

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Quinn Cook Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

More free agents the Chicago Bulls could sign in the wake of COVID-19 issues: Quinn Cook

A free agent that I’ve advocated for the Bulls to sign more recently than Patterson is the former Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers sharpshooting guard and two-time NBA Champion Quinn Cook. I can’t find more many proven options among guards out there on the free agent market that could be an immediate impact player for the Bulls.

Cook is another player that got his shot to make an NBA roster when he was signed to a non-guaranteed deal with the Blazers during Training Camp and the preseason. But just like Patterson, he wasn’t able to stick with the Blazers through October.

When the Cleveland Cavaliers signed Cook to a couple of 10-day contracts last season, he certainly made a positive impact right away for them. He could have a similar impact if there’s any guard help that the Bulls need as we are soon to turn the calendar year from 2021 to 2022.

In seven games played with the Cavaliers down the stretch last season, Cook averaged around six points per game, two rebounds, two assists, 0.5 steals, and no blocks while shooting 41 percent from the field, 46 percent from beyond the arc, and he was perfect from the free-throw line. You can see the stats that Cook put up while coming off the bench for the Cavs last season.

He’s also got some valuable postseason experience that he could bring to the table for this Bulls’ locker room as a two-time NBA Champion.