NBA Free Agents 2011: Chicago Bulls and Every Title Contender's Biggest Needs

The Chicago Bulls are just one of many teams in the NBA that feel like they are just one or two players away from having a real chance at making and winning the NBA Finals.

Unfortunately, this free-agency class isn’t exactly what anyone would call loaded, and the available top-tier talent is going to be very costly and signed quite quickly.

Let’s take a look at what each of these contenders really need and who their best, most realistic options would be to fill that hole in the 2011 free-agency class.

Miami Heat: Center

The Heat were doomed last season in the finals by their lack of consistent play from the point guard and center positions.

Obviously the 2 through 4 are stocked, so adding a defensive-minded 5 that isn’t scared to score when open should be the Heat’s priority.

Samuel Dalembert is a great option for them and, if he is willing to take a pay cut, would push them to a title. 

Los Angeles Lakers: Point Guard

Derek Fisher is simply too old to help lead this team to another championship.

I love Darius Morris, their second-round draft pick out of Michigan, but he is too young and inexperienced to take over just yet.

Adding a solid free agent and using the amnesty clause on Steve Blake may be the best route for them.

Someone like T.J. Ford or Earl Watson could fit here.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Sixth Man

James Harden has proven he should be a starter in this league with his production in the playoffs last year. He was the No. 3 overall pick in 2009 and has the tools to be a star 2-guard.

The Thunder must replace the energy and scoring he usually brings as the sixth man if he is going to join the starting rotation.

Tayshaun Prince is a very intriguing option to provide depth, leadership and scoring off the bench.

Dallas Mavericks: Re-Sign Free Agents

It’s possible that the Mavericks could lose Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea and DeShawn Stevenson from their title-winning roster this offseason and even the injured Caron Butler will probably move on.

They need to re-sign at least two or three of these guys to make sure they are able to make another deep playoff run and possibly repeat as champions.

Boston Celtics: Big Man

The Kendrick Perkins trade killed the Celtics' playoff chances last year and they had to go to war with a bunch of stiffs at the center position.

This season they have just Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O’Neal under contract, so re-signing Glen "Big Baby" Davis is a priority and finding a few productive bigs to add to the rotation is a must if they want to compete.

Re-signing 2008 finals superstar Leon Powe would be an ideal starting point.

San Antonio Spurs: Depth

The Spurs won the championship in a lockout-shortened year in 1999 and are hoping they can find that magic again after a great regular season last year that ended with a worn-down group losing in the first round to the eighth-seeded Grizzlies.

Adding a few role players on cheap, short contracts and possibly even making a splash for a more expensive free agent after amnestying Richard Jefferson would help this team immensely.

Getting some guys like Joel Przybilla, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and other lesser-known but solid rotation players is a great choice.

Orlando Magic: Distributor

The Magic were ranked No. 27 in assists last season and need to find players who are willing to move the ball around.

The team made the finals a few years ago because of excellent three-point shooting and an inside-out game that revolved around Dwight Howard and finding the open shooter.

They need to make sure anyone they sign is going to pass and won’t be a black hole for the ball.

Marquis Daniels would be a solid player for them to pick up and his ability to handle the ball and pass is very underrated. 

New York Knicks: Shooting Guard

The Knicks had been trying to make a move for Chris Paul, but odds are that won’t happen with what little they possess as trade bait.

They are still a long shot to make the finals and you can’t count them out with Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony starting.

Adding a solid, veteran 2-guard would be their best bet and would help give them a better chance of pulling out a surprise title run. Grant Hill is on their radar and is a great move if they can land him.

Chicago Bulls: Shooting Guard

The Bulls obviously need a shooting guard and it was clearly their biggest weakness during their Eastern Conference finals run last year.

The trio of Kyle Korver, Keith Bogans and Ronnie Brewer is not going to cut it for a championship team and replacing all three of them with someone who can do everything a bit better is the way to go.

Jason Richardson is possibly the best unrestricted free-agent SG and would be a perfect fit if he were willing to take a pay cut.