Bulls Rumors: Why J.R. Smith Would Push Chicago Past Miami Heat

There are rumors coming out that the Chicago Bulls will possibly be entering the J.R. Smith sweepstakes. It's no lock by any means, but there's this tidbit from Hoopsworld:

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The Chicago Bulls have their Bi-Annual Exception at $1.9 million but role for Smith would probably be an issue for J.R.  Additionally, a source said Chicago is undecided on whether or not Smith would be the right move for the organization.

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Two teams that would be able to offer him more are New York and Minnesota—the half-mid level exception that teams who entered the offseason below the cap can offer. They could offer 2.5 million to Chicago's 1.9 million, but that's not a dramatic difference. The Lakers and Clippers would just be able to offer the veterans minimum. 

Since these are partial contracts, we're really not talking about a ton of difference in terms of money. It's "only" the difference of a couple of hundred thousand dollars, which by NBA standards is chump change. 

J.R. Smith has a reputation that he doesn't play defense or team ball. Joining the Bulls could give him the opportunity to get rid of both of those stigmas. It would also give him the chance to prove himself in the postseason.

If he does those things, it would make a difference in next year's contract negotiations, wherever he signs. Being perceived as a player that can help you win a ring can make a huge difference. Just ask Tyson Chandler. 

The Bulls' biggest need is Smith's biggest skill-set. He can create offense for himself. He also would be a great player to create offense off the bench, another big need the Bulls have. On top of that, as that type of player the Bulls would be able to rest Luol Deng more often.

Most importantly, it would give the Bulls what they needed last year against Miami, a player who is capable of creating shots for himself off the dribble. A backcourt with Derrick Rose and Smith would be a very difficult backcourt to guard. 

For both the Bulls and Smith, this makes sense in a lot of ways. It remains to be seen where he'll end up signing, but it's worth keeping an eye on.