NBA Free Agent Speculation: Likely SG Targets for the Chicago Bulls

It's no secret. The Chicago Bulls need a shooting guard. 

Not just any shooting guard, however, they need a starter for the position. 

Luol Deng had his worst shooting season in four years in 2011, and besides Derrick Rose, the Bulls don't really have a go-to scorer. 

Kyle Korver is a nice threat from the outside, but is better served coming off the bench, and Keith Bogans, who started all 82 games at SG, has an option that may or not be picked up.

What this team needs is someone who can play 30 minutes per game as a starter and score points in bunches. Here's a look at some players who are being speculated to fill that role. 

Jason Richardson

The Chicago Tribune notes that most of the speculation in recent days is pointing towards signing unrestricted free agent Jason Richardson. 

Richardson, however, would be an expensive option for the Bulls. He would likely command all of the $5 million mid-level exception. With most of its money invested in Rose, Deng, Boozer and Noah, Chicago might want to go the less-expensive route.

J-Rich saw his number hit career lows when he was traded to Orlando last season, but you have to wonder how well he fit in that slow-it-down system.

Then again, an argument should be made that Chicago is closer to Orlando's style than it is Phoenix or Golden State.

Richardson is still only 30 years old and should have something left in the tank. The Bulls might just pay to find out. 

Brandon Roy

According to HoopsHype—and pretty much everyone else that knows anything about the NBA—Brandon Roy is a prime target for the new amnesty clause.

And why wouldn't he be? Roy, a former All-Star, has had numerous problems with his knees and still has three years and $49 million left on his contract. When he's playing 50 games per season at limited health, that's just not worth it.

If the speculation is true and Roy is released, you have to think just about every team might take the risk on him if the price is right.

C.J. Watson

There's also another solution looming out there: Fix the problem internally. 

The Chicago Tribune that moving Watson from point guard to shooting guard might just be the best solution. 

Then they would just have to sign a backup point guard to Rose, which would be much cheaper than signing a starting SG.

T.J. Ford is mentioned as a possible solution.

Watson has played off the ball before when he shared ball-handling duties with Monta Ellis in Golden State.

He's certainly shown the ability to score in bunches at times, and if given a full-time opportunity, that would happen more often.