5 controversial free agents the Bulls should avoid at all costs this summer

1. Dillon Brooks

Who else would find himself here at the top spot on this list other than self-appointed NBA supervillain Dillon Brooks? After a self-destructive postseason performance that saw Brooks receive an atypically early release from the team, the Grizzlies have decided to look elsewhere at the wing moving forward.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big advocate for turning another team’s trash into treasure. But as any dumpster diver will tell you, it’s usually just garbage down there in the deep recesses of other people’s leftovers and unwanted things. The same applies here to Brooks, who in the right role could be a valuable piece to a contender, but has shown nothing to inspire belief that he’s willing to accept an appropriate job listing.

Signing Dillon Brooks to cure the Bulls’ issues would be the front office’s most hilarious blunder yet.

Still, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that an All-Defensive Team selection and perceived 3-and-D talent may make some teams willing to sign Brooks at the right price. This issue is only exacerbated by the fact the free agent market for forwards is much dryer than many teams were likely hoping for.

As you can see, it’s no coincidence that I’ve mentioned each of the top three names on this list as players the Bulls should avoid this summer. Just because they’re the best free agents available, doesn’t mean they are worth the money and years of commitment it would require to sign them in the first place.

I believe the Bulls are much off looking internally for the answer at the forward positions. With DeRozan and Patrick Williams set to return next season, with Derrick Jones Jr. also opting into his player option, Chicago has a solid base to build from. If they re-sign Javonte Green, or if Dalen Terry improves over the offseason, then they’ll be in an even better state.

If the Bulls are determined to look for outside help, they’d almost certainly be better off scouring the trade market. Whatever they decide to do, it can’t be worse than inking Dillon Brooks to a long-term deal.