With free agency set to officially begin on Thursday, the Chicago Bulls have some tough decisions ahead. Although the front office has clearly identified the team’s weaknesses in interior defense, perimeter switchability, and shooting, these things come at a cost. However, perhaps the Bulls could avoid the uncertainty of gambling on new free agents by bringing back a familiar face.
One former Bull has already signed a contract with a new team, despite the fact that free agency has yet to even begin. That player is Tomas Satoransky, who makes his return to Europe by signing a four-year deal with FC Barcelona.
Another player I’d love to include in this list is Bobby Portis, but it seems that the ship has sailed. Portis has made a home for himself in Milwaukee, where the city has embraced him and cherished the role he played in their championship run. After taking pay cuts to remain with the Bucks, I fully expect to see Milwaukee properly compensate Portis this summer.
Ultimately, affordability is the key factor in any free agent acquisition the Chicago Bulls will make this offseason. If they successfully re-sign Zach LaVine, the front office will have to make the most out of the Mid-Level Exception, their $5 million trade exception acquired in the Daniel Theis trade, and veteran minimum contracts to round out the roster.
Although the new front office has completely revamped this Chicago Bulls roster, a few familiar faces would always be welcome back in town.
3. Tony Snell
It’s been seven seasons since Tony Snell last suited up for Chicago, but he’s continued being a valuable piece on good teams ever since. Snell was drafted 20th overall back in 2013 by the Bulls and he could be just what this team is looking for this summer.
Chicago has made no effort to hide their need to add shooting off the bench in free agency. Unfortunately, teams are paying a premium for shooting now more than ever. For a Bulls team that will be forced to look for options on the veteran’s minimum, the pickings will certainly be slim.
The good news here is that shooting has been Snell’s calling card for years. In fact, Snell has hit 41.1% of his 3-point attempts since being traded from the Bulls in 2016. He’s by no means a good defender, but Snell’s 6’6″ frame and near 7-foot wingspan give him enough size to at least be a slight deterrent on the perimeter. He’s a poor man’s 3-and-D if I ever saw it.
While it’s silly to expect much else of Snell at this point in his career, he has proven he can shoot the lights out. Outside of Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball, no one else on this Bulls roster has proven they can consistently hit their shots from deep the way Snell has.
For a player on the veteran’s minimum, that’s not such a bad deal.