The Chicago Bulls will be in an enviable position when the offseason inevitably gets going.
First, they'll have the fourth and the 15th overall picks at their disposal in the NBA Draft. With the sheer number of holes they have across their roster, these assets couldn't have come at a better time. Second, they'll enter free agency as one of the most financially flexible teams in the league.
If they want to take on unwanted contracts in exchange for future draft capital, they certainly have the room to do that. But if they want to take a swing on a young player from a rival organization, they're also in a position to pursue that goal.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times recently suggested that Tari Eason, who's reaching restricted free agency this offseason, should be a name to watch.
"Graham’s no-shortcut approach carries a lot of weight in what the Bulls will do with all their salary-cap money, meaning it won’t be spent unwisely. A name to keep an eye on is restricted free agent Tari Eason, but that would play out only if something unforeseen happens with the No. 4 pick." Joe Cowley, Chicago Sun-Times
It would take a particular set of circumstances for such a gamble to make sense, but Eason represents the one young player the Bulls can't afford to ignore this offseason if the situation is right.
Tari Eason could be a valuable addition to the Bulls' frontcourt in spite of his offensive struggles
As Cowley mentions, the only way the Bulls could have true interest in Eason is if they don't come away from the Draft with a forward. Out of the defined top-four of this class, three prospects are either power forwards or are slated to slot into the frontcourt at the next level— AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson.
The only way Chicago would have interest in Eason is if Darryn Peterson drops to fourth overall or they somehow trade out of the pick. If Dybantsa, Wilson, or Boozer winds up in Chicago, Matas Buzelis will form the other half of their emerging frontcourt.
But until the pick is actually made, virtually anything is on the table for the Bulls. Until it no longer becomes a possibility, therefore, Chicago should be closely monitoring Eason's situation with the Houston Rockets.
Although Eason found his footing later in the year, this season carried some offensive struggles for the young forward. Across 60 games, he averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting just 41.6% from the field. He split his time between the bench and the starting five.
But at 6'8", Eason is a valuable young defender, and he has the offensive tools to become a formidable contributor over the next couple of seasons. Eason's extension will likely land in the range of a $22 million annual value.
As it stands, the Rockets aren't necessarily in dire financial straits. But they'll soon need to extend Amen Thompson, which could make an offer sheet for Eason difficult to match this offseason.
The Bulls are one of the few teams who have the financial flexibility to threaten Houston in that regard.
Ultimately, it seems like the Bulls grabbing a forward in the Draft is the most likely scenario. But Eason remains a name Chicago should keep a close eye on, nevertheless.
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