The Bulls are invited to this year’s free-agent frenzy party starting on Sunday.
They just don’t have a pass to get into the VIP section.
Therein lies the frustration with a fan base that would love to be a rumored destination for a Kawhi Leonard or a Kyrie Irving. Heck, even a sniff of DeMarcus Cousins would excite the masses as the Bulls’ front office enters Year 3 of the rebuild.
The reality?
No “Boogie,’’ no Kyrie, definitely no Kawhi. Just crickets when it comes to organizational game changers.
There was some good news offered this week, as Omer Asik’s career-ending medical problems were taken off the books by the NBA, allowing the Bulls to enter free agency with about $23 million to spend — $3 million more than previously expected. But what exactly will they spend it on?
“We’ve already had a ton of dialogue as a staff,’’ Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson said when asked about the free-agency plan. “We have a very good understanding of the direction we want to go and how we want to use our money. We’re going to attack that at the proper time.’’
An attack that will wield a stick more than a sword.
The Sun-Times reported once the season ended that the front office’s free-agent wish list was more about collecting multiple players from the second and third tiers of free agency, rather than swinging for big-name players.
That hasn’t changed, according to multiple sources.
Neither has the focus of that shopping, starting at point guard, where the team wants a veteran to mentor first-round draft pick Coby White, as well as add some serious competition to Kris Dunn’s life.
Dunn could still be moved before training camp, but there is no market for the inconsistent point guard. Remember, the Bulls have financial control over him for at least one more season and have no pressure to move him.
So who fits that mold?
Obviously, Milwaukee restricted free agent Malcolm Brogdon would be ideal, playing at a high level on both ends of the floor, as well as developing into a dangerous three-point shooter. Plus, it would weaken the Bucks.
Unrestricted free agent Patrick Beverley would also fill a need on both ends, and add some toughness to a young core needing that ingredient.
The problem with both is the Bulls believe White is a long-term solution at point guard, and aren’t looking to sink big money into that position. With many teams having money to spend, both Brogdon and Beverley would also command large price tags.
So expect Paxson to move down to a lower pricing bin.
The Sun-Times first reported that Ish Smith and Cory Joseph were on the Bulls’ radar and that hasn’t changed.
Both understand the back-up role when White is ready to grab that job on an everyday basis, and also can start until that time comes.
It will also allow Paxson room to add more shooting and toughness to his bench.
Veteran two-guard Wayne Ellington checks both of those boxes for the Bulls, and again is a reasonable get for the expected price tag.
So when will the Bulls be poised to jump into the deep end of the pool and start searching for superstars? That remains to be seen. As does the question of will they even be a destination place for that caliber of player.
For now, they’re at least at the party. Just seated outside the velvet ropes.
