The Chicago Bulls need improvement to a roster that won just 39 games this season, but they have few ways to do it.
This is especially true if they keep DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who will eat up a huge chunk of the payroll and leave the Bulls with precious little money to make impact additions.
They do have the mid-level exception, which is reportedly worth around $12.9 million, but will that be enough to lure a talented player to Chicago for the chance at a playoff run?
There have already been some free-agent suggestions for the Bulls to target with the mid-level, but another possibility was recently mentioned who would be a steal for the Bulls at that price.
Chicago Bulls free agents: Tobias Harris
Bleacher Report recently named Tobias Harris as a “dream” free agent for the Bulls, who could offer him the full mid-level.
Harris has long been a solid complementary piece, as he’s a guaranteed bucket, doesn’t miss many games and is a competent defender.
He’s made more money than most non-All-Stars but is going to have to take far less on his next deal. How much less is the question, as there are teams out there with cap space who could use Harris’ services and could offer more than the Bulls.
Harris is a nice fit with Coby White, LaVine, DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, and if all of them stayed healthy (big IF), that’s the foundation of a playoff team. Is that a title team? No, probably not, but adding a veteran like Harris would improve their chances of at least making the playoffs if the Bulls are intent on running it back with most of the current roster.
There is some question of fit, as Harris and DeRozan like the same spots, but Harris has shown he can hit the 3-ball at a higher rate in the past, and he may be more inclined to shoot them as he gets older.
It would really be up to Harris and what he wants. Does he want to make more money and probably have a bigger role on a bad team like Detroit? If so, the Pistons have been connected to him in rumors, have a ton of cap space and are desperate to do something.
But if Harris wanted to make another run at the playoffs on a veteran team ready to win now, the Bulls could be an option even if it means taking less money. Harris would be a steal at the mid-level, but with other bigger offers waiting out there, the Bulls will likely find themselves priced out of the market.