3 2022 free agents that the Bulls should want for Christmas

3 of 4

Deandre Ayton Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls Christmas wish list for the 2022 free agent class: Deandre Ayton

Near the top of this free agent class for the 2022 offseason is the Phoenix Suns standout center Deandre Ayton. This looming restricted free agent would likely cost the Bulls a lot to bring into the mix, but his name is one that is still worth mentioning on this list. Depending on how the rest of the season shakes out for Vucevic, adding more help in the frontcourt unit could be a priority come next summer.

I do believe that adding more help in the frontcourt unit will be a priority for the Bulls’ front office to some degree next offseason. The degree to which that is important is still the topic in question for the Bulls. That will largely hinge on the play of some of the small-ball units for Donovan this season and the performance of the two-time All-Star Vucevic.

This is why I believe it’s still worth keeping Ayton’s name top of mind for contenders like the Bulls. It’s not going to be easy it doesn’t look like for any team to pry Ayton away from the Suns in restricted free agency next offseason, but the effort could at least be worth it.

Averaging around 18 points per game, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block this season, Ayton isn’t too far off from posting some real All-Star caliber numbers. He’s finding his groove with one of the best teams in the NBA.

How could that presence not be welcome in the Bulls’ locker room as soon as 2022?

This is still a free agency wish list for the Bulls and not something that I’m necessarily considering as realistic targets for this team next summer.