Return or Burn: Which Bulls free agents should be brought back?

Return or Burn: Coby White

I’ve made no secret of my opinions regarding Coby White since the season has concluded. The young guard’s in-season development this season was unlike anything we’ve witnessed from him in the three years prior. With a much-improved handle and defensive awareness, Coby looked so much more like the point guard of the future we all hoped he could be. Although his box score statistics took a dive, I don’t think there’s any way the front office can justify letting Coby walk for anything shy of a massive overpay at this point. Easy decision here.

Verdict: Return

Return or Burn: Ayo Dosunmu

Ayo Dosunmu’s sophomore season was admittedly, a step in the wrong direction. There’s simply no avoiding that fact. Although a slump is a common phenomenon among second-year guards, many hoped the extra experience he picked up in college would help him clear this obstacle. His shot desperately needs to improve, but I’m willing to be patient here. Impatience is what caused the Bulls to lose the Wendell Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen trades, so let’s not make the same mistake here.

Verdict: Return

Return or Burn: Nikola Vucevic

And now we arrive at the one everyone has an opinion on. After becoming a much more consistent and efficient player with the Bulls season, Nikola Vucevic did a lot to win frustrated fans back after a very disappointing 2021-22 campaign. Vooch will undoubtedly be a top 10 free agent available this summer, and is better than any other center with the possible lone exception of Jakob Poeltl. The Bulls simply aren’t going to get anyone better than Vooch to play center next season.

That being said, the Bulls may not need a ‘better’ player in a vacuum. Perhaps adding a player that can crash the boards (particularly on the offensive end, where Vooch struggles), and defend the paint would make the Bulls a more balanced and dangerous team. If Chicago can add a young, athletic big man that checks these boxes, I’m all for it.

Verdict: Burn (but will probably Return)