Chicago Bulls: 5 free agents to replace Robin Lopez
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bulls may be in line to add a free agent to slide in at the backup center position.
As we sit and watch the 2019 NBA Playoffs, our beloved Chicago Bulls continue their rebuild. After what seemed like a totally forgettable 2018-19 season, the Bulls did what many fans wished they wouldn’t.
The Bulls did indeed extend head coach Jim Boylen on a multi-year contract after naming him Fred Hoiberg‘s replacement early on last season.
Boylen immediately tried getting down to the nitty gritty, attempting to toughen up this young group in Chicago. His style seemed to have rubbed some the wrong way in the beginning, but the front office apparently bought in — enough to give him a new deal.
Next up following the extension of Boylen, the Bulls face the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery, which gives them one of the best chances at securing a top-3 pick in this year’s draft. After the draft, though, it’s on to free agency, and the Bulls will have a few moves to make.
One of the players the Bulls will be saying goodbye to (at least we assume) is veteran big man Robin Lopez. Once Chicago had their center of the future locked down in Wendell Carter Jr., Lopez became expendable. The team certainly tried trading him before the season was up, but Lopez ended up sticking around.
Now, he’s an unrestricted free agent. I would assume the Bulls do indeed move on from Lopez and attempt to fill the backup role elsewhere. Chicago still has Cristiano Felicio under contract, as well as Omer Asik (whom they may wind up getting an injury settlement with). But, it’s clear they have a hole behind Carter.
In free agency, the Bulls might find a replacement for Lopez. They won’t be in talks for any of the top names, but let’s take a look at some guys whom may be of interest, and could be available.