2. Patty Mills
The Bulls lack consistent 3-point shooting from their role guys. It’s worth noting that their role players are young and inexperienced. The bulls have been a lottery team for some time now, and are relying on their picks to behave like vets.
There aren’t many teams that can win now while developing. The Golden State Warriors are doing the same thing right now, but have the luxury of doing so with a championship core. The Bulls’ core is made up of one star who’s been to the Eastern Conference Finals; one star who’s only been to the first round; and one star who’s never been in the playoffs. That’s not the group to lead a bunch of young guys.
If the Bulls want to win now, they need more veterans, even if it means getting rid of some of their youth. Patty Mills is set to be a free agent (assuming he rejects his player option) who will instantly boost the team’s contention odds. He’s former champion who has competed in multiple championships.
He shoots 42% on catch-and-shoot threes and 43% on off-the-dribble threes. He’s a smaller point guard, meaning the Bulls will have to have him surrounded by length in order to keep their defensive pressure up to par. He’s a very active defender and uses his hands and quickness to make up for his height.
A fully healthy Chicago team can bring him off the bench and close with him alongside DeRozan, LaVine, Ball and Nikola Vucevic. He would deter teams from doubling the Bulls’ stars, giving DeRozan one-on-one opportunities in the high post. He’s also a capable ball handler who can create for the team’s best scorers.
He’s a proven champion and would be perfect alongside the Bulls’ current roster.