Chicago Bulls: 4 free agents connected to Billy Donovan

As the Chicago Bulls prepare for free agency, new head coach Billy Donovan could help bring in some familiar faces.

The Chicago Bulls went out and did something they have not done in a very long time. They not only spent a chunk of money on a new head coach, but they hired Billy Donovan, a man with previous head coaching experience.

Donovan comes to the Bulls with one heck of a pedigree. He has been coaching basketball for decades, most famous for what he accomplished at the University of Florida and most recently with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Bulls’ last few coaches have come by way of their experience as assistants. Tom Thibodeau, Fred Hoiberg and Jim Boylen all had zero previous head coaching experience, and the latter two fizzled out in a hurry.

But Donovan is different. He’s the one the Bulls will use to flip the script. This is the start to something special.

The new era of Chicago Bulls basketball begins now.

In past years, the Bulls have had a hard time recruiting free agents. It’s not difficult to see why, as they haven’t exactly been competitive in recent seasons. Most importantly, there weren’t many players who wanted to play for a guy like Boylen.

With Donovan in the fold, that changes immediately. Now, this first offseason may not see any big signings. But, this will be the foundation of what’s to come. Donovan could certainly help recruit useful players in his first offseason. While they may not be superstar caliber, that’s not what this first offseason will be about.

Next offseason is the big one. Next year is the year where the Bulls will look to be major free agency players. But, as for this year, Chicago may as well use Donovan to their advantage and look at some guys who are familiar with the new head coach.