The Chicago Bulls need all the depth they can get as they prepare for next year. The upcoming offseason could be pivotal, and taking advantage of the free agent market will be crucial in constructing a roster that complements their young talent.
One player stands out above the rest as a perfect fit for the Bulls as an unrestricted free agent. That name is Precious Achiuwa, who was drafted by Miami in 2020 but spent the last two seasons with the New York Knicks.
At 6-foot-8, the big man would be a valuable piece to add to this current Chicago lineup that would bring much-needed energy and a strong defensive presence in the paint. Achiuwa averaged 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, an assist, and .7 blocks in 57 regular-season games for the Knicks this past season.
Achiuwa is expected to leave New York as an unrestricted free agent following the departure of head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Chicago Bulls Need Depth at Key Position With Obvious Upgrade Available
Listed as a power forward, Achiuwa could come in next season and immediately give the Bulls valuable minutes. Currently under contract in that position for Chicago are Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, and Zach Collins. Williams, along with Matas Buzelis, Julian Phillips, and Dalen Terry, are all listed as forwards, but play a more perimeter-centric game.
Achiuwa's presence would be more paint-focused, and he would be able to play in more of a center role in smaller lineups that Chicago could bring out. The Bulls are expected to move on from center Nikola Vucevic, which means adding a player like Achiuwa would be all the more important.
Collins and Smith are the only true big men expected to be on Chicago's roster next season. While both are suitable for limited minutes, having just two players who have never been consistent starters means Chicago is in desperate need of adding another paint presence.
The five-year pro has proven that when given the time, he can be a spark-plug off the bench. He's started in less than 25% of the total 328 regular-season games he's played, but has always given energy in the second unit.
PRECIOUS ACHIUWA POSTER ON ISAIAH STEWART 🤯😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 10, 2025
OH MY! pic.twitter.com/O921NLkcEK
Precious Achiuwa is a Good Fit for a Good Price
Besides adding to the much-needed depth for the Bulls, Achiuwa is an unrestricted free agent who will likely not have an extremely high asking price. His latest contract was for $6 million playing in New York last season, and he would likely reach a similar number to join this young Bulls squad.
At just 25 years old, he fits the timeline of Chicago's roster. While offensively he lacks the skills to score more than 15 points a night consistently, Achiuwa wouldn't be asked that type of task in an already offensive-centric Bulls lineup.
Chicago was near the bottom of the league defensively in the 2024-25 regular season, and Achiuwa's rebounding and defensive versatility would be extremely beneficial for the Bulls. While he played just over 20 minutes a night for New York, he helped lead them to one of the better defensive ratings during the regular season.
Achiuwa has been on three teams in his five years in the league, but in each spot, he has been a consistent contributor off the bench. He has career averages of 7.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and one assist in just 20 minutes per night.
It wouldn't be a superstar free agent signing, but signing Achiuwa would be a great role player for Chicago to add depth. While the team focuses on the contract extensions of both Josh Giddey and Coby White, finding role players who could bolster their defense would be the mark of a front office that has a grasp on their future.
The Bulls aren't going to become a contender overnight, but it starts with the small pieces like Achiuwa. This year's free agent class isn't as strong as in years past, so the team should do all they can to reload in what is expected to be a much weaker Eastern Conference next season.