NBA Free Agents 2011: Adding Tracy McGrady Could Benefit the Chicago Bulls

ESPN's Steven A. Smith first reported that he had heard rumblings that the Chicago Bulls will sign Tracy McGrady as soon as the lockout is over. While one part of me sees players like Allen Iverson refusing to turn into role players, I believe that McGrady could still work out nicely for Chicago. 

Let me preface by saying this: if Tracy McGrady is the biggest acquisition the Chicago Bulls make this offseason, we have a huge problem. He is NOT an answer at the shooting guard position short term and there is no reason the Bulls at this point should be looking for a short-term fix. They have short-term patches on the roster right now with Keith Bogans and company. 

While I don't want McGrady being a starting shooting guard, he could still be very valuable on the roster. 

First, and most importantly, McGrady gives the Bulls options. With McGrady on the roster, you can make C.J Watson, Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver at least somewhat expendable through a trade. Imagine a trade like Watson, Brewer and Bogans for Andre Iguodala. Not saying that the trade specifically works, but just take it as an example. 

T-Mac would excel as a third guard because he can shoot to some extent, handle the ball to some extent, and run the offense to some extent in the second unit. He could also play effectively off of either Derrick Rose or the hypothetical Andre Iguodala.

Second, this is a very low risk move. At this point, T-Mac is looking for a team that will even take a chance on him, so the Bulls could probably even get him on a veteran's minimum salary. If he were to act up, Chicago could easily cut him without losing much of anything in terms of money or flexibility.

Tracy McGrady is a guy who believes he still has basketball left in him, and he's dying to prove it. An unguaranteed veteran's minimum contract could be a low-risk, high-reward proposition for Chicago, and it's one they should seriously consider.