Chicago Bulls 2010 Offseason: Six Potential Free Agents

The Chicago Bulls, like several other teams, have made a big gamble in creating salary-cap space for 2010. They let Ben Gordon walk away, and gave up Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons for basically nothing, to save cap space. I'm not sure that this was a good idea, not only did they give two good players away, but gave them to their playoff competitors. They have probably taken themselves out of playoff contention. Wouldn't a core of Rose, Deng, Noah, Gibson, Gordon, Thomas, Salmons, and Hinrich, with a vet or two, be pretty good by itself, especially in a few years?

Nonetheless, the Bulls have put themselves in a position to sign a top free agent. They had better succeed in finding one to make it worth their sacrifices.

Note: When looking at offseason acquisitions, sign and trade deals are quite likely, as the player can make more money that way, and everyone benefits.

Runners-up

F/C Amare Stoudemire:

Stoudemire would bring a good post presence, but I don't think his score-first style of play would fit in well in Chicago.

If the Bulls fail to sign a bigger free agent, the could look to someone like Tracy McGrady, Manu Ginobli, or Al Harrington, though none of these would make the offseason a success by any means.

No. 6: Ray Allen

Oh how ironic this would be! The guy who hit big shots against the Bulls in the playoffs, coming over and joining them. Signing what's left of Ray Allen sure wouldn't be the first option, but if the Bulls don't find any better options, Allen could fit in well (for a couple years), and they could potentially sign a post player as well since Allen won't take up all remaining cap space.

The Bulls could use a good three point shooter like Allen the post players, Rose's penetrating attack, and Deng's mid-range game. Allen could also add some leadership. He wouldn't provide much explosiveness though, and his days being a top-flight player are very limited.

No. 5: Carlos Boozer

Boozer is certainly no favorite of mine, I don't like his attitude or certain aspects of his game. He does however, bring a lot to the table on offense. He is a good post player with a good mid-range shot and passing skills better than most big men. He would probably play well off Rose (especially if paired with Allen). Boozer would be the Bulls best post scorer since they gave Elton Brand away. He is very unlikely to draw a max contract.

No. 4: David Lee

New York's F/C David Lee made his first All-Star appearance this year. He become a very good player, he is one of the league leaders in rebounds and averages 20 points, while playing out of position at Center. It is true that his numbers are somewhat inflated playing for the run-n-gun Knicks, who don't have many other weapons, but he is clearly a top-notch player. He would be another good post complement to Rose, Deng, and Noah. I also think it would be very feasible for the Bulls to sign Allen and Lee or Boozer.

No. 3: Joe Johnson

I think that Johnson may actually be the best fit for the Bulls out of this list. With Gordon and Salmons gone, the Bulls most needed position is now shooting guard. Johnson is one of the better 2s in the game right now, and the Bulls could use his shooting skills. He should be able to adjust to a secondary role, or a shared leadership role, with Derrick Rose. The Bulls should consider offering him a contract while everyone else is busy with "the big three."

No. 2: Chris Bosh

The Bulls, like most other teams, would surely love to lure Bosh. He would definitely be a welcome addition to the lineup, and could easily play alongside Center Joakim Noah or forward Taj Gibson. He would probably be the best post player in Chicago history (no offense to the other great Bulls inside players), and fill a long sought-after need for the Bulls. He would help make the Bulls a scary team indeed.

No. 1: Dwayne Wade!

You didn't think it would be anyone else, did you? While I'm sure there's not a team that wouldn't like to pick up LeBron, I really think he'll stay in Cleveland. The Bulls would surely love to bring hometown kid Wade back to Chicago. Though he doesn't ring post play or great three-point shooting, it's Dwayne Wade, so who really cares? Imagine defenses trying to keep up with Wade and Rose? That makes for a long night. A Wade signing may even bring in other key players who want to join a winning team. With Wade preferring warm weather, the Windy City may not be his first choice, but the Bulls would sure love to see him there.