One player from every NBA team the Bulls should pursue in free agency
Pacific Division
Phoenix Suns – Deandre Ayton
Similar to the aforementioned Brunson, the Bulls do not have nearly enough cap flexibility to make an offer to Deandre Ayton. That being said, Chicago could still complete a sign-and-trade for the big man. With rumors circling that Ayton wants out, the Bulls could offer a package of Nikola Vucevic, White, and the 18th pick in this year’s draft without giving up too much. It’s likely Phoenix fields better offers from other teams, but it’s worth at least testing the waters on Ayton’s availability here.
Golden State Warriors – Kevon Looney
If you’ve managed to catch a glimpse of the Warriors’ run to the 2022 NBA Finals this postseason, you’d immediately notice the enormous impact Kevon Looney has had on this team. Looney has been a force on the glass these playoffs, including a 22-rebound performance against Memphis and an 18-rebound game against Dallas. Both of those games were closeout elimination games, proving Looney does not only show up in the clutch but could also help address Chicago’s rebounding woes.
Honorable mention goes to Otto Porter here, who has thrived in Golden State since leaving the Bulls.
LA Clippers – Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein is one of my favorite free agents in this year’s class, as the advanced stats indicate he’s ready to make a major leap once given a bigger role. If the Bulls could manage to lure Hartenstein away on the MLE, it would be a massive steal akin to last year’s signing of former Lakers guard Alex Caruso.
Los Angeles Lakers – Malik Monk
Speaking of Lakers guards, Malik Monk took on a larger role than expected this season as Los Angeles was desperate for anyone to step up and perform well due to the team’s terrible roster construction. With Anthony Davis out for most of the year, Monk became the Lakers’ second-most dependable offensive threat. Although streaky at times, Monk is the player we’ve been waiting for Coby White to become.
Sacramento Kings – Donte DiVincenzo
Donte DiVincenzo feels like a very realistic acquisition the Bulls could make this summer to address their lack of 3-point shooting off the bench. He was essential in Milwaukee’s championship run and could hopefully translate that experience toward winning in Chicago. He’s a restricted free agent, however, so it’s unclear if Sacramento would be willing to let him walk for cheap.