Chicago Bulls: 10 Players Who Could Be the Bulls' Missing Link at Shooting Guard

This year, the Chicago Bulls made an amazing regular season run and are still alive in the playoffs, holding a 3-2 lead over the Hawks.

Most of the scoring pressure has fallen on MVP point guard Derrick Rose, as Chicago is lacking a big time shooter in the lineup.

Keith Bogans has lacked consistent offensive play. Shooting guard has been the biggest need on the floor for Chicago all season. The groundwork is set up for a championship run, but the Bulls need one more piece at the shooting guard position.

Here's a list of potential candidates that the Bulls could get in the offseason.

Ray Allen

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BOSTON, MA - MAY 07: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The

Ray Allen has a player option for 2011. The odds of him leaving the Celtics are poor, but it isn't out of the question, since Boston are seemingly on the down.

On the other hand, the Bulls are up-and-coming.

Chicago offers Allen another immediate chance at a title, where he can come in and fill the biggest weakness in the team. It's arguable that Allen has the most devastating three-pointer in league history, having broken Reggie Miller's record this past season for the most made in a career.

That's something the Bulls definitely need.

Peja Stojakovic

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 26: Peja Stojakovic #16 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a missed shot against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center on February 26, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

Peja Stojakovic could add length and a long-range threat to the Bulls.

However, he is a 6'10" small forward, not a shooting guard.

In order for this to happen, Luol Deng would have to move to the shooting guard position, which is something that I believe he could do, if he improves his shot over the summer.

Adding Stojakovic would increase Chicago's size and scoring potential.

O.J. Mayo

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MEMPHIS, TN - MAY 07: O.J. Mayo #32 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 7, 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee.The

This would have to involve a trade, since O.J. Mayo is not a free agent until 2012.*

However, trade talks between the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies had been heavy at midseason. So it's possible, given more time in the offseason, they can strike a deal to send Mayo to Chicago.

In return, the Bulls are likely to have to give up something along the lines of Omer Asik, Ronnie Brewer and a draft pick.

*O.J. Mayo is the only non-free agent I am including, because I see him being the shooting guard that the Bulls are most likely to trade for.

Jamario Moon

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CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 27: Jamario Moon #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after making a three point basket while playing the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena on October 27, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 95-87. (Photo by Grego

Jamario Moon is stretching it, but he's also a small forward. He shot nearly 40 percent from three this year—a good sign—but I doubt the Bulls are looking to go after him.

However, there's always a possibility, since he is a free agent in 2011.

James Jones

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 30: James Jones #22 of the Miami Heat celebrates after making a shot against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center on March 30, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadin

There are many small forwards on the market this year, but not so many shooting guards.

James Jones has shot 42 percent from downtown throughout his career and has done a good job coming off the bench in Miami. In Chicago, he could start and spread the defense out.

What's more, he should be able to adapt to coach Thibodeau's defensive game plan.

Michael Redd

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BEIJING - AUGUST 24: Michael Redd #8 of the United States stands on the podium after winning the gold medal over Spain in the men's basketball final during Day 16 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on August 24,

Michael Redd has been injured for the majority of the time since the 2009 season began, only playing in 28 games for the Bucks.

Having said that, Redd had been great before the injuries. He averaged over 20 points per game for six seasons.

If the Bulls sign him on a small contract for a year or two, this could be a small risk that might turn out to be a huge deal. Low risk, high reward.

What's more, Redd is on a divisional rival in Milwaukee—robbing a rival of a quality player only adds to the signing. Redd should certainly be on the Bulls' radar.

Jason Richardson

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22: Jason Richardson #23 of the Orlando Magic against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 22, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User exp

Jason Richardson would add a great shot, while also robbing Orlando of one of their top players.

It would be a win-win deal for Chicago.

Richardson averaged over 15 points per game with Orlando, with a hot and cold three-pointer that is still enough of a threat that he has to be guarded on a consistent basis.

Jamal Crawford

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 28: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after their 84-81 win over the Orlando Magic during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Bulls are currently battling Jamal Crawford in the playoffs, so this may be untimely.

However, Crawford has already played for the Bulls for four years and could be making a return trip this offseason.

While he comes off the bench for the Hawks, he could start in Chicago. He averaged 15 points per game this season, but he's had some streaky shooting.

Sam Young

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MEMPHIS, TN - MAY 07: Sam Young #4 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball while defended by Nick Collison#4 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 7, 2011 in Memph

Despite only 25 and in his second year, Sam Young averaged seven points per game off the bench in Memphis.

What's more, it looks like improvements could be coming soon, considering his three-point field goal percentage jumped 15 percent from his first year to his second.

This could be a smart pick up for Chicago as Young is still young (see what I did there?) and has potential for the future.

However, if Young is picked up, the Bulls should also pick up another guard in case it doesn't work out.

J.R. Smith

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 25: J.R. Smith #5 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOT

J.R. Smith could be the likeliest candidate for Chicago.

While with Denver this season, he averaged 12 points a game. He could be a cheap acquisition with a big payout for the Bulls.