3 Free agency signings that will hurt Bulls’ rivals, 4 that will help them

1. Pacers massively overpay Bruce Brown

Brown was underrated in his two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, but the 6’4 guard broke out last year on the Nuggets. He set new career highs in points, steals, and minutes per game as the 26-year-old had his versatile skill set on display. Brown was even better in the playoffs as he helped the Nuggets win the championship.

It was no secret that he was going to get paid this summer, but the Pacers won the bidding war with a massive two-year deal worth $45 million. Indiana protected itself by making it a team option in year two, but it was still a massive price to pay for a player that had made $15.1 million combined over his first five years in the league.

Bruce Brown is a skilled wing that improves the Pacers, but can he justify his $22.5 million salary? He has never played more than 28.5 minutes per game and the 6’4 wing started just 31 of his 100 games played last season when combing the regular and postseasons. The Indiana Pacers had to overpay to get his services, but they could regret it next season.

Indiana will join the Magic and Pistons as looking to jump into the Play-In Tournament next season. If all three leap in, the Chicago Bulls could fall out. Will overpaying Brown backfire on the Pacers? Stay tuned to find out.