Bulls News: Rounding Up Latest on Team's Efforts to Round out Roster

Whether it's Jimmy Butler or some other revelation, the Chicago Bulls continue to steal the headlines. 

For the front office in the Windy City, this offseason was all about making sensible decisions when it comes to free agents and keeping a strong core capable of competing in the Eastern Conference.

The latest nuggets of info surrounding the team mesh well with the goals. Whether it is a transaction big or small doesn't matter—for a contender, every step in the process is critical.

Below, let's take a look at the latest around the Bulls.

Bulls Add Big Man

There is no such thing as too much depth.

While the Bulls added a steal in Bobby Portis via the draft to reinforce depth beneath the basket, the team was still on the market for another big man, with things looking a bit thin behind Joakim Noah.

According to Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders.com, the Bulls addressed the issue with Cristiano Felicio:

Bulls general manager Gar Forman was quick to boast to the media about his team's newest addition: “We've been impressed with Cristiano's work ethic and potential,” said Forman, per NBA.com. “We're looking forward to working with him and having him come to camp with us this fall.” 

Standing at 6'10" and 275 pounds, Felicio is a monster of a presence in the paint and might be just what the Bulls need if his trip to the summer league goes well.

While a smaller move in comparison to others, Felicio might be around for the long haul.

Aaron Brooks Reunion

One of the bigger question marks around Chicago's roster heading into next season was the backup spot behind Derrick Rose. 

While E'Twaun Moore has shown flashes, those aren't good enough right now for a team hoping to push for a title. Veteran experience to lead the second team is a must and something 30-year-old Aaron Brooks provided in droves last season.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune revealed Forman and the Bulls made sure to just bring back Brooks:

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Receiving an oral commitment from their third incumbent, the Bulls will bring back reserve guard Aaron Brooks on a one-year deal, a source said. The agreement, like preceding ones from Jimmy Butler and Mike Dunleavy, can be finalized when the league lifts its moratorium on Thursday.

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It is a bigger piece of news than one would think. Brooks exploded for one of his best seasons in years in his debut campaign with the Bulls, averaging 11.6 points and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 39 percent from deep.

In theory, Rose remains healthy and Brooks acts as one of the better second-team leaders in the league. If not, Brooks has enough experience to keep everyone involved and provide a dash of scoring of his own.

Either way, the Bulls saw a weak market for backup point guard this year and made a point to keep one of their own. Someone with proven experience within the organization is never a bad thing.

Jimmy Butler Saga Concludes

Darren Hauck/Associated Press

In the end, all is well for Butler and the Bulls.

Butler didn't run off to the Los Angeles Lakers or some other hopeful contender, hungry for dollar signs and a bigger piece of the star power. Don't forget a short-term deal so he could back out and hit the market again when cap space jumps thanks to a new television deal.

No, Butler's re-up with the Bulls is now official, and if one asks him, he would have never had it any other way.

“I knew where I wanted to be,” Butler said, per Johnson. “I knew I was wanted here. I love playing here, love the city. It was a no-brainer.”

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

It should go without saying that Butler was the No. 1 priority for the front office this offseason. Forman admitted so when announcing the deal, citing Butler's continued evolution as a player. 

Per Johnson: “The jump he made was almost unprecedented. And he’s getting more confident, especially offensively. His shot has improved quite a bit. You hear him talk about how he continues to be driven and will work. So there’s a lot of upside for him, which only helps our team.”

The hope now is Butler continues to improve. He averaged career highs of 20.0 points, 3.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game in his fourth season last year. He's just 25 years old, and the Bulls will need to continue to lean on him further in future years.

Right now, the Bulls stand as an example. A team can take a player, help groom him into a superstar and then bring him back despite the allure of cash and major franchises elsewhere.

As it turns out, although most didn't expect it, the Bulls-Butler journey is just getting started.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.