The Chicago Bulls desperately need to upgrade their roster to get back into the playoff hunt. Here are three key free-agent targets to help them get there.
The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads.
In 2021, they formed a new "Big 3" in DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic. The All-Star trio enjoyed immediate success. In 2021-22, the Bulls posted a 46-36 record and made their first playoff appearance since 2017. However, they lost in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks in five games.
Last season, they took a clear step back, finishing with a 40-42 record and missing the postseason. It is evident that the Bulls are a step behind the major contenders in the Eastern Conference, and they will need to be aggressive this offseason.
Many key players including Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and Derrick Jones Jr. are set to hit free agency, and they currently have minus-$58 million in cap space, per Spotrac. The front office will need to have a creative and flawless offseason to launch the Bulls back into contention.
Let's take a look at three ideal free-agent targets.
Must-have free agents for the Chicago Bulls: 3. PG Dennis Smith Jr.
Smith entered the league with high expectations. The Dallas Mavericks selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but he was traded less than two years later as part of the Kristaps Porzingis deal.
After stints with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers, Smith quietly furthered his development last season with the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 4.8 assists per game while posting a career-low turnover percentage (14.1).
More importantly, he became a defensive force. Opponents scored 10.7 points fewer per 100 possessions with Smith on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass. The 25-year-old point guard has always had elite athleticism and quickness, and those traits make him a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end.
With Lonzo Ball out, the Bulls could use another playmaker and on-ball defender. Smith would fit the bill.
Must-have free agents for the Chicago Bulls: 2. C Christian Wood
Wood is one of the most talented offensive big men in the game. He is an excellent scorer in the paint and an efficient three-point shooter. Last season, he averaged 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, while coming off the bench for the Mavericks.
In the years prior, he played a larger role for the Houston Rockets and put up incredible numbers. In 2021-22, he was the only NBA player to average at least 17 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting at least 39.0 percent from 3.
The Bulls need an offensive boost. They finished 22nd in points per game last season. Wood's scoring ability would immediately raise the Bulls' ceiling and give them a legitimate third option.
Wood is not expected to return to the Mavericks, according to The Athletic's Tim Cato. If the Bulls could land him for the non-taxpayer MLE ($12.2 million), he would be a massive steal.
Must-have free agents for the Chicago Bulls: 1. SG Jordan Clarkson
Speaking of offensive boosts, Clarkson would be a perfect addition to the Bulls' roster. He is a microwave scorer with playoff experience.
Last season, the combo guard averaged a career-high 20.8 points per game, along with 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds.
In 2022, he was excellent in the playoffs for the Utah Jazz; he averaged 17.5 points while shooting 54.8 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from deep.
With Lonzo Ball sidelined, the Bulls need help in the backcourt, and Clarkson could provide them with some much-needed scoring and playmaking.
Clarkson should command more than MLE. The Bulls could pursue a sign-and-trade with the Jazz. They could ship 23-year-old guard Coby White to Utah as part of the deal. He is a restricted free agent and would fit the timeline for the rebuilding Jazz.