One player from every NBA team the Bulls should pursue in free agency
With the NBA’s free agency period presumed to begin near the end of June, it’s time for the Chicago Bulls to compile a thorough list of potential free agents that could come in and help elevate this team to championship contention. Last summer proved to be a productive time for Chicago and the team will be looking to replicate their success once again this offseason.
Unfortunately, Bulls won’t have much financial wiggle room — let alone max cap space — to pursue this summer’s top free agents like Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, and Miles Bridges. Instead, the team will likely be focused on reserving the big bucks to re-sign Zach LaVine.
The Bulls could improve their playoff odds by stealing away talent from the competition in the 2022 free agency period.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of moves to be made, however, as I believe there’s at least one free agent from every team that should be on the Bulls’ free agency radar. Obviously, Chicago won’t be able to sign them all, but it would be worth at least exploring our options with these players. The search for a way to improve on last year’s successful campaign begins in the Southwest Division.
Southwest Division
Memphis Grizzlies – Kyle Anderson
Kyle Anderson is not the type of player you make highlight reels for. He doesn’t put people on posters. He doesn’t get ESPN posts or Bleacher Report edits. No, he’s earned the nickname “Slo Mo” for good reason. What he does do, however, is play a winning brand of basketball
For a Bulls team that’s severely lacking in quality wing depth on the bench, Anderson would be a fantastic addition for cheap. Anderson is a surprisingly versatile asset with an ability to rebound, defend, and pass. Ideally, his shot would return to something more reminiscent of his 2021 form, but if he joined the Bulls he would immediately become the best forward off the bench.
Dallas Mavericks – Jalen Brunson
The Bulls do not have the cap space to sign Brunson, but as we saw last year, this front office is more than willing to play ball in the sign-and-trade department. If Zach LaVine decides to leave in free agency, swinging a sign-and-trade that brings Brunson to Chicago is one of the best options on the table for the Bulls. But only if LaVine leaves.
New Orleans Pelicans – Tony Snell
It’s been a long time since fans have seen the Bulls’ former 2013 first-round draft pick don the red and white, but Tony Snell has carved out an impressive role in the league over the last decade. Snell has shot an unbelievable 42.6% from deep over the last three seasons, and could immediately help address Chicago’s lack of shooting off the bench for cheap.
San Antonio Spurs – Lonnie Walker IV
With the Spurs committed to developing Dejounte Murray, Josh Primo, Devin Vassell, and whoever they draft with their three first-round picks in the 2022 NBA Draft, it appears Lonnie Walker IV is the odd man out in San Antonio. Although he’s a restricted free agent, Lonnie will likely be taking his elite athleticism elsewhere this summer. The Bulls could be a great fit, as Walker would be an excellent threat in transition and could fill the hole left by Coby White if the team decides to move on.
Houston Rockets – Dennis Schroder
Dennis Schroder was heavily linked to the Bulls during last season’s trade deadline, and head coach Billy Donovan may still be interested in a reunion this summer. The Bulls are loaded up at the point guard position, but Schroder’s shot creation off the bench is an undeniable asset.