3 Free agency signings that will hurt Bulls’ rivals, 4 that will help them
By Tyler Watts
The Chicago Bulls have had a forgettable offseason thus far. They put their best player on the trade block, plan on being without their starting point guard for the entire season, and overpaid to keep their starting center in free agency. The Bulls were in the Play-In Tournament last season, and they are hoping to get back in 2024.
The Bulls have added Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig in free agency. They still need two more players, but Chicago feels like they can be competitive in the loaded Eastern Conference. It won’t be easy as the Bulls have failed to address their point guard needs, but they are hoping to get a bit of outside help in their bid to make the playoffs.
There was a ton of money spent in free agency, and the Bulls’ rivals were far from quiet. Each tried to improve their roster, but how will the moves impact Chicago?
Free agent signings that will hurt Chicago Bulls rivals: 3. McDaniels dumps 76ers
Lost in the James Harden drama was Jalen McDaniels leaving Philadelphia for the Raptors on a two-year deal worth $9 million. The 6’9 forward has immense potential, but he struggled to get a massive role with the 76ers. McDaniels has length and athleticism that cannot be taught. If he improves his jumper, he could be a starter on a contending team for the next decade.
The 76ers are trying to preserve cap space for the summer of 2024, but signing a 25-year-old for $4.5 million per season over two years is a bargain. Philadelphia will regret not bringing him back, and losing Jalen McDaniels to the Raptors certainly put a small ding in their hopes of contending next season.
The jury will be out on the 76ers’ offseason until they resolve James Harden’s trade request. They certainly need to get some talent back in return if they plan to be in the title picture next season. Losing McDaniels did not help and could be just one piece of a problematic summer in the City of Brotherly Love.