2023 NBA Free Agency: 5 best available PGs to replace Lonzo for Bulls

3. D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers

So far, every player on this list is projected to be in a reasonable price range where Chicago could pursue them outright without breaking the bank. That all changes here, with D’Angelo Russell, as the Bulls would need to orchestrate a sign-and-trade to bring him on board. Fortunately, Chicago is stocked up on tradeable contracts and should have no issues putting together deals that correspond with the NBA’s salary cap rules if they wish to do so.

Although the Lakers just moved to acquire DLo at the trade deadline, he’s set to hit free agency this summer after earning $31.3 million this season. If the Lakers’ championship pursuit once again fails to turn out the way they planned, there’s no reason to think Russell won’t at least entertain the idea of searching for a better long-term fit.

Since being traded from the Nets in 2019, Russell has adapted incredibly well to no longer being an All-Star first option, but rather a strong starter who impacts the game at the margins. He has averaged 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per game over the last four seasons on three different teams, but failed to maintain his place on any of them.

DLo’s ability as a plus passer and effective outside shooting threat could definitely make him an attractive pairing alongside LaVine. He’d absolutely be an upgrade for the Bulls, but the fact he hasn’t been the long-term solution for four different franchises now makes me hesitant to make a long-term commitment to a backcourt that only excels in one half of the game.