Since the trade deadline back in February, the Chicago Bulls have been going through big changes. First, they traded a significant portion of their rotation to accumulate future assets and bottom out to maximize lottery odds. Then, they replaced GM Arturas Karnisovas with Bryson Graham. Now, they are in the midst of a head coach search after Billy Donovan's departure.
Despite a ton of transactions being done at the deadline, there will still be departures and arrivals in Chicago this summer. The Bulls have more cap space than any other team in the league and have several key free agents to make a decision on.
Before discussing who they can bring in, it's important to take a look at who will be on their way out of Chicago when free agency officially kicks off at the end of June.
Zach Collins
Collins arrived in Chicago as part of the Zach LaVine trade last season. He was mostly included for salary-matching purposes, and he wasn't able to live up to his $18 million salary last season. Now he will be a free agent this summer, and there is little reason for the Bulls to keep him.
On paper, Collins could be a valuable big man. He has a rare skillset that combines shooting and rim protection. However, injury concerns have prevented him from making an impact.
If he were any younger than 28, the Bulls could have re-signed Collins as a potential backup, but they should be able to find a better and younger option for a minimum contract in free agency.
Collin Sexton
In the final stretch of last season, when very few Bulls fans were paying attention, Sexton was quietly very productive. He shot over 40% from three and had 60.9% True Shooting despite having high usage. He proved once again that he could be a valuable, high-volume scorer in this league.
The problem is that the Bulls really don't need a player of his skill set. Josh Giddey and Tre Jones are under contract and will play all the minutes at point guard. Rob Dillingham should be back, and Anfernee Simons is more likely to be re-signed than Sexton, thanks to his off-ball ability.
The Bulls need more defense and frontcourt depth. An on-ball creator like Sexton in that crowded backcourt isn't needed, and Chicago should use its cap space elsewhere.
Guerschon Yabusele
Another trade deadline acquisition whose time in Chicago may be short-lived is Yabusele. The French big man was productive in his brief stint, providing scoring, rebounding, and physicality to a Bulls team that desperately needed it.
However, Yabusele will turn 31 during the season and offers little upside. He has reportedly drawn interest from overseas and may want to explore those opportunities. If he wants to return on a veteran minimum deal, he wouldn't be the worst depth option, but the Bulls should probably pursue younger players who can outplay their contracts.
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