Chicago Bulls Rumors: Lamarcus Aldridge would be wise to sign

This offseason has been one to remember for Chicago Bulls fans, and it could be getting even better shortly.

Just a few days ago, the Bulls were rumored to be in on veteran forward Paul Millsap, who ultimately chose the Brooklyn Nets. While Millsap would have been a strong signing, that left one other veteran big man on the market.

15-year NBA veteran forward Lamarcus Aldridge has been medically cleared to play again after announcing his retirement back on April 15th. Aldridge was released by the San Antonio Spurs mid-season and picked up by Brooklyn just a couple of days later.

When Aldridge was forced to put his career on hold, maybe forever, it looked like the ending to an illustrious career. An irregular heartbeat is nothing to mess around with. But, Aldridge is now on his way back to the league and could be looking at coming to the Windy City.

Lamarcus Aldridge may end up with the Chicago Bulls after all, according to recent rumors.

Per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, Aldridge is interested in joining the Bulls, who have another roster spot to fill prior to the season. Millsap would have been the perfect, final piece on this roster. But, Aldridge’s availability now makes him an even better option for Chicago.

The Bulls have revamped their roster over the past few months, losing Thaddeus Young and Lauri Markkanen via sign-and-trade deals. Before the season ended, the Bulls also dealt Daniel Gafford. Their front court depth became depleted in a way, but then rebuilt over the offseason.

Chicago now has Nikola Vucevic starting at center with Patrick Williams at the four. Behind them are Tony Bradley and Marko Simonovic, but the Bulls could definitely still use one more big. Aldridge would fill that void to perfection.

The longtime Portland Trailblazers forward was once drafted by the Bulls back in 2007 but had his rights traded — any Tyrus Thomas truthers still out there?

Finally, it could come full circle for Aldridge, going back to the original team that drafted him. Aldridge is just three years removed from putting up over 21 points and nine boards per game en route to his seventh All Star bid. Last season, he posted a line of 13.5 points and 4.5 boards per game in 25.9 minutes per game, while playing in 26 total games between Brooklyn and San Antonio.

Aldridge would be the missing piece for Chicago, and he could prove it by becoming their go-to bench big man. The Bulls are going to be a contending team in the East, and Aldridge’s presence would only bolster that notion.

The experience he brings to Chicago would be phenomenal for Williams and Simonovic, specifically. His leadership alone is reason to bring him in. But, if he’s healthy, Aldridge can still play. The Bulls should be doing everything they can to get him in Chicago.