With 27 teams already in full offseason mode, it’s no surprise that the NBA rumor mill is beginning to swirl faster. And in a star-obsessed league, the majority of that talk obviously surrounds Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown and other top-tier players who may become available.
None of that scuttlebutt includes the Chicago Bulls, though, and the team’s front office should use that to its advantage.
While other teams go big-game hunting and prepare offers to entice the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and other franchises in flux, the Bulls could fly under the radar and do a little team building of their own without anyone the wiser.
None of these moves would make the front page (Chicago fans should be used to that by now), but they could make a difference come March and April when the team is hot on the heels of another No. 7 or 8 seed in the East.
Chicago Bulls should zag this offseason while the rest of the NBA zigs
Most teams are either busy trying to keep their superstars, trade them for the best possible return, or acquire said stars.
The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly looking to make a big splash. The Houston Rockets could be in the mix to land someone like Durant or Antetokounmpo. The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic are on the cusp of real contention in the Eastern Conferece.
The Cavaliers and Celtics may be poised to make some significant changes. A handful of Western Conference teams hope to alter their rosters in an effort to compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Summer of Trades, as insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line substack refers to it. According to Fischer’s musings, a cap strategist for one of the league’s 30 teams puts it this way: “Trades are going to be the marquee aspect because there’s a number of high-level players [available] and there aren’t really any marquee free agents.”
The Bulls are in no position, or hurry, to be included in that “marquee” trade conversation. The only real reason Chicago has been (barely) in the news is because of Josh Giddey’s restricted free agency, and he’s expected to stay put on a new deal with no surprises or fireworks.
Bulls can shop in an undervalued free agent market
So while most franchises go star gazing, the Bulls will have an opportunity to sneak in and grab some overlooked free agents on cheaper deals. A center like Myles Turner is likely out of reach, but maybe someone like Minnesota’s Naz Reid, who has a player option for next season, could be on the table.
If not him, veteran big men like Brook Lopez or Clint Capela are unrestricted free agents who could provide some level of much-needed rim protection.
Lopez’s teammate, Gary Trent Jr., would be a solid fit as a high-level three-point shooter and strong, hard-working defender who can play as a guard or on the wing. Memphis’s Luke Kennard is one of the top snipers in the league and wouldn’t break the bank. Sacramento’s Keon Ellis has knocked down 43 percent of his career triples, but adds a level of athleticism that Trent Jr. or Kennard don’t have. Bruce Brown would be a versatile veteran addition off the Bulls’ bench.
If those free agents don’t tickle your fancy, there’s always a chance teams come calling later in the summer after they’ve struck out on their first, second, third or fourth options. Maybe the Magic are still searching for a scoring guard and, in their desperation, overpay for Coby White. Maybe the Cavs trade Garland and are looking for a cheaper replacement who’s stronger defensively, and offer the Bulls a heftier sum for Ayo Dosunmu.
No matter how it plays out, Chicago can sit back, wait, and strike when the time is right. Whether that’s snatching up a role player or two at the beginning of free agency or waiting until late in the summer to shop in the bargain bin or field trade offers, the Bulls can come out of the offseason as winners by thinking on a smaller scale.
