Chicago Bulls: Looking at 5 potential offseason moves
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bulls have long been flying the white flag on the 2017-2018 season. What potential moves could launch them back into playoff contention this summer?
The 2017-2018 campaign has had its share of positives for the Chicago Bulls. A seven-game winning streak, the return of Zach LaVIne and watching Lauri Markkanen blossom have all been highlights so far. But, the peaks of the year haven’t been for lack of valleys.
The Bulls are currently looking at selecting between picks four and eight, depending on how the remainder of the season shakes out. Odds are not necessarily in their favor to pick in the top three, but, anything could happen.
Come June and July, Gar Forman and John Paxson will have several decisions to make regarding their own roster. Beyond those decisions, they will have to make an effort to land a couple of guys via free agency in order to make this team of playoff-worthiness in 2018 and 2019.
The challenge for the Bulls brass will be convincing higher-tier players to come to Chicago. Over the course of the past few seasons, Forman and Paxson have rubbed a few key players the wrong way — most notably, Jimmy Butler.
Fans haven’t always been pleased with what the front office has done — and that’s putting it lightly. Getting rid of Butler and toying with him at trade deadlines are just two examples of how they have mismanaged their talent.
This summer will be a challenge, sure, but with the core they have in place with guys like LaVine, Markkanen and Dunn, maybe, just maybe, they can come away with a couple of strong players in July.
Part of that process is deciding who to keep going forward. The Bulls have to make decisions on whether or not to attempt retaining some of their own, and there will undoubtedly be some guys who will not return.
With all of that in mind, here are five potential moves the Bulls could make this summer that could put them back into playoff conversation for 2018-2019.