Unlike last year, the Chicago Bulls have been no stranger to this summer’s free agency period, already working to re-sign Nikola Vucevic and Coby White, and even bring in some new talent in the form of Jevon Carter. Hopefully, these moves will be enough to push the Bulls in the right direction next season, but there are still plenty of holes to fill and players worth signing to round out this year’s roster.
After the feeding frenzy we saw in the first two days of NBA free agency, it truly speaks to how large the pool of talent is in the league today when there are still so many quality players on the market awaiting a new deal for next season and beyond. Although they’re operating well over the salary cap at this point, the Bulls still have the chance to bring in fresh talent via the bi-annual exception, any unused money from the mid-level exception after Carter’s signing, and veteran minimum contracts.
With that in mind, I decided to recap the events of the first two days of free agency and compile a list of the best remaining free agents for the Bulls to target moving forward. Since we’ll undoubtedly see a few of these names sign deals with teams over the coming days, I’d like to first highlight a few honorable mentions that just barely missed the cut.
Honorable Mentions:
Mason Plumlee(signed with Clippers)- Trendon Watford
- Terrence Ross
Malik Beasley(signed with Bucks)Mo Bamba(signed with 76ers)- Dario Saric
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dig right into our list of the NBA’s top 10 best remaining free agents.
Here’s a breakdown of the best remaining free agents for the Bulls, starting with two of their own.
No. 10: Derrick Jones Jr. and Javonte Green, Bulls
I’m starting this list off a bit unconventionally here, by including both Derrick Jones Jr. and Javonte Green at the 10th slot. This is largely due to the fact that both DJJ and Green know the Bulls system, and would fulfill the same role as one another if they were to return to Chicago.
Both Jones and Green are great hustle players who offer most of their production by cutting to the hoop and attacking the basket in transition, crashing the boards, and playing stifling defense on the perimeter and low block. It’s hard to say who has the edge here, as Javonte had the more noticeable presence when on the court and is a far more reliable threat from three, but Jones hasn’t struggled with injury, has better physical traits, and is younger with plenty of time to continue improving.
Honestly, I’d be happy to see either one back in a Bulls uniform here, so they both deserve recognition at the top of this list.
No. 9: Eric Gordon, Clippers
As good as Chicago’s second unit was defensively last season, it was impossible to ignore their lack of offensive creation. Outside of the recently re-signed Coby White, no player on the Bulls’ bench could be trusted to score at will. Obviously, staggering the ‘Big 3’ helps alleviate this problem, but having more offense off the bench is never a bad idea
That’s where Eric Gordon could potentially come into play here, as the veteran has scored 12.9 points on a very efficient 39% shooting from deep over the last two seasons. Standing at 6-foot-3, Gordon’s a little on the small side of things if the Bulls intend to run him at the wing, but his veteran presence and sweet shooting stroke would really benefit the NBA’s worst three-point shooting team.
Update: Eric Gordon has agreed to a deal with the Phoenix Suns
Although Gordon is off the board, several other players could still fulfill the same archetype as a score-first role player for the Bulls. Keep an eye on players such as Malik Beasley, Terrence Ross, Lonnie Walker, and Will Barton.
No. 8: Paul Reed, 76ers (Restricted)
After three years in the NBA, Paul Reed has yet to average more than 10 minutes per game in a season. Because of this, many fans around the league are simply unaware of everything he brings to the court. This lack of playtime is through no fault of his own, however, it’s just an unfortunate side effect of sitting beneath MVP Joel Embiid in the depth chart.
In two starts this year, Reed averaged an exceptional 13.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks earlier this year. His impeccable basketball IQ and defensive abilities would make him a crucial piece for a competitive team in the right role. With a 6-foot-9 and 210-pound frame, I believe Reed would be a fantastic reserve behind Patrick Williams, giving the Bulls the chance to play big or small depending on their matchups.
The Bulls could make a surprisingly savvy move for cheap by signing a free agent like Paul Reed or Torrey Craig.
No. 7: Torrey Craig, Suns
While I may be a little bit biased with my personal investment in Reed’s potential, he’s still a relative unknown. That’s why going for a proven veteran like Torrey Craig may prove to be the far wiser move for the Bulls to make if they wish to pile on some depth on the wing this summer.
Despite the fact he’ll turn 33 years old before the end of this year, Craig just submitted the best campaign of his career for the Suns last season. Averaging 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, Craig shot 39.5% from deep while posting a positive 0.7 Defensive BPM. In many ways, Craig plays a lot like an older Patrick Williams. Unlike Williams, however, Craig has proven he can adapt to playing alongside several stars, sacrificing his own accolades for the benefit of his team.
Craig would be an excellent addition to the Bulls, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he opts to join a team closer to contention at this point in time.
Update: Torrey Craig has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls
This looks to be a very promising signing for the Bulls to shore up a very thin rotation on the wing. Contract details are still pending.
No. 6: Kelly Oubre Jr., Hornets
If the Bulls want to add pure, unadulterated offensive firepower, then look no further than Kelly Oubre Jr. Without a doubt the most prolific scorer remaining in this free agent class, Oubre’s resume speaks for itself. Although injuries held him back from playing a significant portion of last season, he averaged an impressive 20.3 points per game for the Hornets, a career-high for the forward.
What strikes me as notably less impressive, however, is the way he scored those 20.3 points per game. Although he was a willing shooter — attempting over seven long-range shots per game in each of his last two seasons with Charlotte — they didn’t actually go in enough to justify his trigger finger. Oubre only converted 31.9% of his threes this past season, and has never once converted at a rate higher than the NBA’s league average 35.5% clip.
Despite Oubre’s undeniable talent, the Bulls are likely better off searching for a less selfish, more team-oriented player here.
Kelly Oubre and Matisse Thybulle would be welcome additions to the Bulls’ thin rotation at the wing.
No. 5: Matisse Thybulle, Trail Blazers (Restricted)
Speaking of unselfish players, Matisse Thybulle is practically the antithesis of everything that Oubre is. Averaging just four shot attempts per game over his four seasons in the NBA, Thybulle hits the open market looking to expand his role past what he has shown over his rookie contract,
Typically, I wouldn’t expect players to make a radical leap in development after witnessing several years of stagnation, but Thybulle’s brief stint in Portland offers a glimmer of hope for his future potential. In 22 games with the Trail Blazers, Thybulle averaged 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 38.8% on 3.9 three-point attempts per game (yes, you heard that right) and maintaining his typical All-Defensive Team caliber of play on the other end. For that reason, Thybulle feels like a perfect low-risk, high-reward gamble to take if Chicago can land him on a reasonable contract.
Update: Matisse Thybulle has signed an offer from the Dallas Mavericks
As a restricted free agent, the Portland Trail Blazers have 48 hours to decide whether to match Dallas’ offer.
No. 4: Ayo Dosunmu, Bulls (Restricted)
Jumping up into the top four here, we have Chicago’s own Ayo Dosunmu. While it would certainly be a stretch to say he’s the fourth most talented free agent on the market right now, I believe his familiarity with the Bulls organization and long-term potential should certainly have him ranking high on Chicago’s list of remaining free agent targets.
I’m not alone in this line of thought here, either, as The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor sang Dosunmu’s praises. He even goes so far as to posture that Ayo could be the next Bruce Brown of free agency, in this video clip below.
Who do you think will be the Bruce Brown of this NBA free agency class?
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 29, 2023
One candidate: Ayo Dosunmu from the Bulls pic.twitter.com/sGaG5sv0st
Despite Dosunmu’s struggles in his sophomore season, I believe giving up on a multi-faceted player who can score, defend, and make plays for his teammates off the bench would be foolish after a small step in the wrong direction. This much is especially true now that the Bulls have hired a shooting coach, who will hopefully help address Dosunmu’s greatest weakness next season.
Ayo Dosunmu and Christian Wood could both become free agency steals if utilized in the right role.
No. 3: Christian Wood, Mavericks
As we climb into the top three here, we’re truly among the most talented players still available. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen with Christian Wood here, raw talent often isn’t enough to earn a secure role in the NBA. Despite averaging an extremely promising 18.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2 assists over the last three seasons while shooting a relatively great 38.1% from deep for a 6-foot-10 forward, Wood hasn’t been able to hold down a consistent gig for a team just yet.
This has often been attributed to a rumored bad attitude in the locker room, as Wood has clashed with several head coaches and teammates in pursuit of a bigger role. While it’s extremely concerning that Wood has been through eight different teams in eight years, the fact that those list of teams includes the Pistons, Hornets, rebuilding Suns, Rockets, Pelicans, and mismanaged Mavericks could possibly suggest the fault doesn’t entirely fall on his shoulders here. Perhaps he’s worth the gamble for a Bulls team in desperate need of a true power forward?
No. 2: Grant Williams, Celtics (Restricted)
Slowly emerging as a key contributor on arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference, Grant Williams has steadily built up his market value by providing elite three-point shooting and stout defense off the bench for Boston. Williams has converted 40.3% of his three-point attempts over the last two seasons, an impressive clip that makes him impossible to ignore beyond the arc.
Williams’ presence has helped a great deal in stretching the floor for the Celtics so that their star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can dissect opposing defenses. Diving deep over the salary cap already with their core seven players, Boston simply doesn’t have the flexibility necessary to match competitive offers for the rising forward. This much is especially true after the Celtics traded for Kristaps Porzingis, leaving little room for Grant in the rotation to justify a big payday.
The Bulls don’t have enough cap space to sign Williams outright, but negotiating a sign-and-trade scenario that sends Lonzo Ball to a third party in exchange for young assets and draft capital isn’t off the table just yet.
Update: Grant Williams has agreed to a sign-and-trade to the Dallas Mavericks.
Following this news, the market for the other remaining players on this list is sure to get more competitive in the coming days.
Grant Williams and P.J. Washington are unquestionably the two best (longshot) remaining free agent fits for the Bulls.
No. 1: P.J. Washington, Hornets (Restricted)
If you’ve been reading my articles for Pippen Ain’t Easy for a while now, you’d know I’ve been firmly entrenched in the P.J. Washington to Chicago bandwagon for quite some time. Standing 6-foot-7 with a 230-pound frame, Washington has developed into a player with very few true weaknesses. He’s coming off his best season yet, where he averaged 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. As a career 36.6% shooter from deep, he could truly threaten Patrick Williams for his starting gig at best, and serve as a fantastic sixth man at worst, if he were to join up with the Bulls.
Just like the aforementioned Grant Williams, the Bulls would not be able to sign Washington with cap space, and would instead be forced to orchestrate a sign-and-trade around Lonzo. This makes things substantially more difficult, but considering the fact that Charlotte is expected to bring back Miles Bridges while also being rumored to be in pursuit of Grant Williams, perhaps they’re looking to move in a new direction and would part with P.J. for the right price.