Bulls' Complete 2023 Offseason Blueprint

The 2022-23 NBA was a letdown for the Chicago Bulls.

Well, more like a series of letdowns, actually.

Lonzo Ball never found his way back to the hardwood. Patrick Williams didn't make the jump the franchise has been eager to see since selecting him fourth overall in 2020. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vučević put up fine individual numbers, but they couldn't move the needle collectively. Despite their combined firepower, Chicago landed a disastrous 24th in offensive efficiency, per NBA.com.

If you think it's time for the organization to bail on this nucleus and start over, that isn't a hard argument to make. The problem is, the Bulls don't agree with that assessment.

"That's been thrown around all this season," Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas told reporters. "Blow up, rebuild. It's not on our minds."

The Draft

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CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 19: Vice president of basketball operations of the Chicago Bulls, Arturas Karnisovas, is interviewed on August 19, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Ramirez/NBAE via Getty Images)

If the Bulls hope to find their missing piece on draft night, they need some major luck at the lottery.

Unless their pick lands in the top four, they'll have to send it to the Orlando Magic. Chicago's pick has just an 8.5 percent chance of jumping into the top four and a 1.8 percent chance of being No. 1 overall, per Tankathon.

That's why those on the pro-rebuild side of the argument thought Chicago should have pulled the plug long ago. The Bulls had several veterans who would have brought back valuable assets, and their departures could have sent this club stumbling down the standings but moving up the list of potential lottery winners.

The Bulls opted to keep pushing forward, then couldn't make it out of the play-in tournament. That stings. What also isn't great is that Chicago is without its second-round pick, having sacrificed the selection as part of the 2019 deadline deal that brought Otto Porter Jr. to town.

Free Agency

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 20: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 20, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Unless the Bulls renounce their free agents and ditch the player options held by Andre Drummond and Derrick Jones Jr., they won't have notable cap space. So, their activity in free agency will primarily be done in-house.

First up is the future of Vučević, who could be hoping to secure the last significant bag of his career with his 33rd birthday looming in October. He has been productive and remarkably consistent for the Bulls—averaging 17.6 points, 11 rebounds and 3.2 assists both this season and last—which is probably reason enough to keep him, even if he's less than a perfect fit with LaVine and DeRozan.

Up next is Coby White, who's off to restricted free agency following four up-and-down seasons. The seventh overall pick in 2019, his role and minutes have both been reduced these past two seasons. He has, however, become more reliable as a distributor and defender. It feels like his free agency could go either way.

Beyond that, Chicago has Ayo Dosunmu (restricted), Javonte Green and Patrick Beverley headed for free agency. Dosunmu seems like a no-brainer keeper, while the market may determine whether Green and Beverley return.

Trade Possibilities

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TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 12: DeMar DeRozan #11 and Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls walk off the court after the game against the Toronto Raptors during the 2023 Play-In Tournament on April 12, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Admittedly, Chicago's most interesting trade possibilities involve players heading out—not coming back to the Windy City.

The Bulls could blow up the trade market if they dangled LaVine or DeRozan. While Chicago doesn't sound interested in that path, it might want to at least gauge their worth on the market. Then, if their A, B and C plans fall apart, they can at least know what they can fall back on.

As for adding talent, the Bulls should be on the hunt for point guards. Offering up the farm for Damian Lillard would be fascinating, even if it may not be enough to get him. Would they pony up major assets for Trae Young? That feels like a conversation worth having.

Like most teams, Chicago could also use more wings and perimeter shooters. Going for broke with someone like O.G. Anunoby is an intriguing concept, though it wouldn't leave the Bulls with much of a safety net if it doesn't work out. A three-point sharpshooter like Buddy Hield shouldn't cost a fortune and would help this offense find some badly needed breathing room.