Southeast Division
Miami Heat – Victor Oladipo
Although many had written him off due to a ceaseless barrage of injuries that kept him sidelined for the majority of the last six seasons, Victor Oladipo has enjoyed a resurgence with Miami during their playoff run. Oladipo’s defensive impact made a big difference for the Heat down the stretch and he even added in a pair of 20-point performances this postseason.
If the Bulls were to sign him, it would have to be a short-term deal and likely be filled with availability-related stipulations, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still a risk worth taking.
Atlanta Hawks – Delon Wright
With injury concerns regarding Lonzo Ball once again rising to a concerning level, it may be wise to invest in an insurance policy for their point guard. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu are great, don’t get me wrong, but I feel last season proved they shouldn’t be carrying the full load. Delon Wright, on the other hand, has made a career out of overperforming when given the opportunity to bump up into a starting role. Adding Wright to the guard rotation would easily make Chicago’s the deepest in the league.
Charlotte Hornets – Montrezl Harrell
One of the biggest criticisms of this Bulls team last season was a perceived lack of grit. While it’s good to follow DeMar DeRozan’s lead by staying cool and calm and collected in crucial moments, it’s also often worth setting an example and imposing yourself on the other team with physical play. Montrezl Harrell does exactly that better than most. Not only would he bring his hustle and rebounding to the Bulls, but he’s also one of the best players Chicago could sign that would have no qualms about coming off the bench.
Washington Wizards – Thomas Bryant
If you notice a recurring theme of backup centers on this list, that’s because the Bulls really need a quality backup center. Thomas Bryant has had an extremely difficult time staying on the court in his relatively short career. In five years in the league, Bryant has only played in barely two full seasons’ worth of games. It’s obvious to see the risks associated with signing a player like Bryant, but that risk might be exactly what makes him a great value signing on a cheap contract.
Orlando Magic – Mo Bamba
As perhaps one of the most interesting players the Bulls could pursue this offseason, Mo Bamba joining up with the Bulls would make for an ironic twist of fate. While former Bull Wendell Carter has excelled in Orlando, it’s possible the opposite could be true of Bamba. His shot-blocking and shooting ability are exactly what this team is looking for down low, it’s just a question if his price tag is enough to make this an appetizing option.