Chicago Bulls Proving Why a Big-Name Signing Needs to Be in Future Plans

It's rare to speak of a sixth seed in the playoffs (the Chicago Bulls' current position in the Eastern Conference) as a team that needs a lot of help. 

Then again it's rarely seen that a team can comprise itself of players that are more attractive as expiring dollar signs then actual professional talent.

The Bulls, while still competitive in the East, have seamlessly paved the way to sign a player to a max contract in what may be the most talented free agent pool ever.

However, many analysts (and fans alike) have openly expressed that they don't believe the team would still be able to fill out a championship-contending roster if such a move is made.

After all, they'll only have six players returning next season from their current roster.

Nevertheless, last night's game against the Atlanta Hawks proved why the Bulls have to make a push for a big-name player, they're just not good enough to contend without one.

Sure, Derrick Rose is a budding superstar, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson have been pleasant surprises this season, and Luol Deng is quietly having a very solid year, but that core is not enough to contend with the best teams in the conference.

Does this mean that they'll be lost if they don't land either LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh?  Doubtful.  While those three players may have had the most hype surrounding them, the depth of this year's free agent class has often been overlooked.

While the top names will probably be looking for a max contract (around $16 million for their first season), guys like Joe Johnson, Manu Ginobli, and Rudy Gay may not command as much money as their not exactly seen as the golden eggs of the class.

So should the Bulls go ahead and take a chance on signing a couple of lesser names or go for it all and sign a superstar?

I think a core of Rose, Noah, Gibson, Deng, and Hinrich with the addition of a player like Wade, James, or Bosh is just what they need to contend.

Will the team then have enough money to fill a roster?  If a potential lineup of Rose, Wade, Deng, Gibson, and Noah means that Vinny Del Negro has to suit up then I say go for it. 

With the league's soft salary cap, teams can always go over the cap (with some luxury tax penalties being paid).

In fact, there's rarely an NBA team that begins a season with a payroll under the cap level.

Look, the Bulls may have to pay a little luxury tax in order to create a championship contender, but ask Jerry Reinsdorf if it's worth it? 

Along with surefire wins would come increased ticket and merchandise sales, something that's always attractive to owners.

Now Bulls fans, we just have to sit and wait to see to what extent Reinsdorf opens up his wallet.  Let's hope that the busy offseason for his White Sox is a sign for a similar fate for his other team in Chicago.