Breaking Down Why Chicago Bulls Future Is Much Brighter Than Fans Think

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The Chicago Bulls' future is so bright, you need to wear shades.

Many fans don't agree with that statement since Derrick Rose—the team's biggest superstar since Michael Jordan—will miss most of the upcoming season due to injury.

And the fact that management parted ways with important role players like Omer Asik, Kyle Korver and C.J. Watson this offseason doesn't help much either.

The Bulls are no longer considered title contenders, which they were the past couple seasons. However, great things are in store for the team down the road.

Here are five reasons why the Bulls' future is brighter than fans think.

A Re-Signed Tom Thibodeau

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For some reason, Bulls management is yet to sign head coach Tom Thibodeau to a contract extension.

Thibodeau hasn’t done much during his two years in Chicago except for win a Coach of the Year award and guide the Bulls to the NBA’s top record in back-to-back seasons.

More than likely, the Bulls will give the defensive guru an extension here shortly to avoid losing him to another ball club.

With Thibs on the sidelines for the long haul, Chicago will have a chance to contend for many years to come. You know the old saying, “Defense wins championships.”

A Future First-Round Pick Via the Charlotte Bobcats

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Back in 2006, the Bulls made one of their worst decisions ever by drafting future All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge and immediately trading him for future bust Tyrus Thomas.

The Bulls messed up big time; however, trading Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats for a future first-round draft pick, which took place in 2010, could turn out to be a fantastic move.

The pick headed to Chicago from Charlotte is protected through the top 12 in 2013, top 10 in 2014 and top 8 in 2015. If the Bulls don’t get the pick by then, it’s unprotected in 2016.

Although it's unclear what draft prospects will be available in 2016, the Bulls could wind up getting their hands on a superstar to pair with Derrick Rose.  

The Arrival of Nikola Mirotic

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On Draft Night 2011, the Bulls traded for Nikola Mirotic, the 23rd overall pick in the draft.

The 6'10' forward remained overseas and will likely not make his way to Chicago until the 2014-15 season.

At the end of the day, the super-talented Mirotic could prove to be worth the wait. 

The Real Madrid star can certainly shoot the lights out and is often compared to Dallas Mavericks megastar Dirk Nowitzki.

With that said, the Bulls future is looking pretty good.

Cap Space

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This offseason, the Bulls signed players to short deals in order to free up cap space in a few years.

The team could very well amnesty Carlos Boozer as well as trade All-Star Luol Deng, which would leave money available to offer a quality free agent.

Chicago could have an abundance of cap space in 2014 and make a run at players like Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki, who might have gray beards by then.

With that said, the Bulls could save their money for 2015 and hope that Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge become available.

Wow, a trio of Derrick Rose, Love/Aldrige and Joakim Noah would form a nice trio, huh?        

A Healthy Derrick Rose

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During the Bulls' playoff opener against the Philadelphia 76ers last season, Derrick Rose suffered a devastating knee injury, forcing him to miss the remainder of the postseason.

The superstar guard could be out until March and there’s even a possibility that he’ll miss the entire 2012-13 campaign.     

Losing Rose for a significant amount of time is severely disappointing for Bulls fans, but don’t worry, your team’s franchise player will return to MVP form in no time.

With Rose back to his self and injury-free, the future is extremely bright for the Bulls.