Chicago Bulls could steal free-agent big man from division rival

Regardless of what the Chicago Bulls do with their own free agents, they need an upgrade at the center position.

If they allow Andre Drummond to walk in free agency, they could look to replace him with a more versatile big who can offer more on the offensive end than just dunking putbacks.

One team to watch is the Indiana Pacers, who have a logjam of young bigs and may have to let one go in free agency this summer.

Chicago Bulls possible free agent: Jalen Smith

Jalen Smith has a player option for next season which he could decline to become a free agent and seek a longer deal on a team that can offer him more minutes and a bigger role. The Pacers already have Myles Turner, Isaiah Jackson and Jarace Walker and could bring back both Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin, making Smith the odd man out.

Smith is coming off a career year that saw him shoot 59 percent from the floor and over 42 percent from long range while scoring 10 points and adding five rebounds per game in just 17 minutes on average.

Smith is still just 24, and has time to keep improving, so the Bulls would be able to get an up-and-coming young big who will continue to evolve. He provides some paint protection, can spread the floor and adds an efficient offensive complement who can play either big man spot.

If the Bulls decide to part ways with some of their free agents, they can clear the cap space to make a run at Smith if he does decline his player option. He's not a superstar who is going to save the Bulls, but he's a solid role player at a position of need and shouldn't break the bank in free agency.

Finding a young big man should be a priority for the Bulls and if they strike out or don't have the cap space for some of the high-priced options (Nic Claxton, Isaiah Hartenstein), a role player like Smith would be a good consolation prize.

The Bulls could strengthen a weakness while taking a player from a rival in their division.