No Bull: Is Chicago Going to Win the Free-Agency Sweepstakes?

If there is a free agent that the Chicago Bulls covet more than any free agent during this free-agency signing period it is likely Dwyane Wade.  Were you expecting a different name at the end of the last sentence?

The Bulls received good news when Wade decided that he wanted to meet a second time with team officials to discuss the possibility of him coming home to Chicago.

If Chicago is able to get Wade to join the Bulls, Chicago becomes the franchise poised to win this year’s free agency sweepstakes. Chicago also likely becomes the team to beat for the NBA Championship next year.

Wade is the free agent that the Bulls likely covet more than any other free agent for several reasons. More importantly, Wade may relish playing in Chicago more than any other city.

The three most pressing problems for the Bulls last year on the offensive end was the lack of consistent scoring from the two guard position, a scorer in crunch time that could relieve the scoring burden on Derrick Rose, and a consistent low post scoring presence.

When you look at the issues that the Bulls have on the offensive end, the answer to Chicago’s blues is Wade and not James.  James is a facilitator akin to Rose, the Bulls already have a great distributor in Rose not that other aspects of James’ game wouldn’t transform the Bulls into title contenders.

What the Bulls really need is a scorer like Wade who is as much a threat to score off the ball as he is when he is directing traffic with the ball.

Wade is one of the most prolific scorers from the two guard position in the league as he averaged 27 points a game last year. Wade’s ability to score in crunch time with the game on the line is also unparalleled in the game, and he would immediately relieve the fourth quarter scoring burden from Rose’s shoulders.

Wade would help solve most of the Bulls' offensive woes as the song says —two out of three ain’t bad.  The Bulls with Wade immediately become one of a handful of teams that can compete for the Eastern Conference Championship and a possible NBA title. 

Of course, Chicago signing Wade to a free agent contract could indirectly lead to the Bulls solving their low post scoring presence.

At the beginning of the free agency signing period frenzy, Wade invited Chris Bosh to join him in Chicago.  Wade and Bosh appear to be hanging out together sharing notes and possibly making plans to play together next year.

If Wade could bring his friend Bosh to Chicago, Bosh solves the Bulls low post scoring problems.   Additionally, Bosh and his ability to effectively play pick and roll creates more scoring opportunities for other players on the team.

If Chicago is able to add Wade and Bosh to their team, the Bulls along with the Lakers become one of the favorites to win the NBA Championship next year and for the next several years.

Could it get better for the Bulls?

Bosh tweeted that he and Wade had dinner together Thursday night and posted a picture to prove it.   Bosh also said “it feels like someone is missing.”  In the picture posted by Bosh there is an empty chair between the smiling Bosh and Wade.

What if LeBron decided that he wanted to be a part of the mix in Chicago?

While Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol might beg to differ, the question coming out of Chicago with a team comprised of Wade, Bosh, James, Rose and Noah is whether the Chicago Bulls will be the team of the decade.

Of course, Bulls fans must be cautious not to get ahead of themselves.

Wade has not decided to come home to Chicago.  Bosh and James are still being vigorously courted by other team, but Chicago has reasons to be optimistic that Wade may decide to become a Bull.

Their sales pitch has undoubtedly demonstrated to Wade that Chicago has more talent on its roster than Miami with Rose, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Loul Deng.  Even if Deng is sent packing in a trade and sign deal it means that the Bulls are getting back either Bosh or James.

Of course, the Bulls might be getting a little extra help with their sales pitch by people outside of the organization.

Wade’s family and his children are likely selling Dwayne on the idea of coming back home to Chicago.  The siren of coming back home might to be too hard to resist especially in light of the fact that he has already established his legacy as a champion in Miami.

Could the importance of family be the biggest factor in this free agency period?  Wade may be going back to Chicago to be close to his mother and his family so that he can be around those he trusts and those who can help him raise his sons.

Wade’s two sons, Zaire (8) and Zion (3), have been raised in Chicago. 

Over the past two years, Wade has gone through a very messy and public divorce from his wife Siohvaughn.  The divorce was recently finalized but issues concerning custody and division of marital assets haven’t been decided.

Wade may wish to avoid complicating matters surrounding the custody of his sons by moving to Chicago.  Siohvaughn may lose a bargaining chip with the judge if Dwyane lives in Chicago and is not seeking to move the boys across the country away from their mother.

Could this explain why this summer Wade purchased a $1.4 million dollar four story riverfront townhouse in Chicago?

Wade’s siblings and mother would also be able to actively help Wade raise his kids if he lived year-round in Chicago. Wade’s mother, Jalinda Wade, is the pastor of the Temple of Praise, a church located at 12900 South Halsted which Dwyane purchased several years ago. 

Wade has not decided to come back to Chicago.

However, Chicago fans have reason to be optimistic.

How ironic would it be if the first major domino to fall in free agency was motivated by family as opposed to becoming a billionaire?

Chicago may become the winner of the free agency sweepstakes not only because it has a roster that can win an NBA Championship but because  . . . it is sweet home Chicago.