Chicago Bulls Rumors: Top Free Agents for the Bulls at Each Position

The Chicago Bulls have shown that they are interested in more positions than just the 2-guard. Since both Brian Scalabrine and Kurt Thomas are free agents, the Bulls have other positions to fill as well.

Here is a look at some players that could be realistically acquired, if there is a need. The Bulls may not be set at some spots you thought they would stand pat on. 

Early indications are that the Bulls are after depth and experience.

Point Guard

The Bulls have the MVP at the point guard spot, but should they stand pat with C.J. Watson as the backup? I would love to see the Bulls go after a backup lead guard that will be more aggressive offensively.

The Bulls thought they were getting that with Watson, but he was gun shy all season.

Here are the best possible point guard prospects:

T.J. Ford

J.J. Barea

Barea would be a nice addition, but Watson's defense was great off the bench. Whoever the Bulls potentially replace him with must be solid defensively.

To clear room, the Bulls would probably have to move Watson to a team looking for a backup point guard.

These scenarios aren't likely. They are much more apt to go into the season with Derrick Rose and Watson.

Shooting Guard

This is obviously the position with the greatest need. The Bulls three-headed monster of Keith Bogans, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer didn't scare anyone.

Bogans has a team option the Bulls aren't likely to pick up. They will not carry four 2-guards this season, and they certainly will upgrade, so Bogans will be the one out.

It is possible the Bulls will sign more than one 2-guard. From the early players mentioned in talks, it doesn't appear that the Bulls are looking to pay big for the players available.

Veteran Tracy McGrady is a possibility, especially if you believe Stephen A Smith, who guaranteed the Bulls would lock up the veteran. I don't think he would be the only 2-guard signed. Along with McGrady, here are other options:

Arron Afflalo

Marcus Thornton

Josh Howard

Nick Young

All of these players are restricted free agents, with the exception of Josh Howard. The restricted free agents will probably cost more than the Bulls are willing to spend, especially considering the Bulls have made extending Rose with a max deal top priority.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bulls add McGrady and Howard.

Small Forward

Luol Deng played a ton of minutes last year. Early indications are that the Bulls want to supply him an adequate backup. Bulls rookie Jimmy Butler, who should also see time at the 2-guard spot, can't be depended on yet.

That is why the Bulls have contacted the agents for Grant Hill, Caron Butler and others.

Hill is 39 years old, but he is in great shape and has been healthy for the last two years. He is a very good defender, passer and ball-handler.

Hill is certainly a Thibodeau style player, so stylistically, it is a match. It also wouldn't cost a ridiculous amount, and it wouldn't require a long-term deal.

Caron Butler is a more dynamic choice, but he is coming off an injury and will require more of a financial commitment.

Here are the other available small forwards:

Tayshaun Prince

Julian Wright

Reggie Williams

I would bet on Grant Hill of anyone from this group. Unless Hill just doesn't want to be in the Windy City, no other spot makes more sense.

Power Forward

Boozer all day and Boozer all night, the Bulls have no other choice. There are worse predicaments, but this season is crucial for Boozer to perform.

I do believe he was injured last year, but the size of his contract offers little room for pity. Taj Gibson is a solid backup, unfortunately too many Bulls fans view him as more.

Boozer isn't ever going to be supplanted by Gibson as a starter. If things get that bad, he will be moved. The Bulls will keep their power forward rotation as is, unless they pull a blockbuster trade, which is highly unlikely.

For kicks, here are the most realistic power forward options available:

Andrei Kirilenko

Kenyon Martin

Glen Davis

Carl Landry

Center

The Bulls have Joakim Noah and Omer Asik. Noah genuinely misses at least 20 games and Asik suffered a moderately serious leg injury in the postseason. The Bulls want veteran free agent Kurt Thomas back, but they do have competition for his services.

Thomas is the league's oldest player, so the Bulls would want to keep the price and years to a minimum.

There are some interesting big men available, but in the end, I think Thomas will return.

Here are some of the other centers that are free agents:

Jeff Foster

Francisco Elson

Kwame Brown

Conclusion

This seems like it'll be a throwback period for the Bulls. If they aren't willing to spend for a 2-guard, they will be forced to look at some low-risk and hopefully high reward players.

McGrady and Hill would fit that description. Right now, my guess is that there will be three new Bulls. The leading candidates at this point would be McGrady, Hill and Josh Howard.