The Chicago Bulls received a lot of buzz ahead of 2022 NBA Free Agency. Chicago was linked in multiple trade rumors and had some internal concerns ahead of the market opening this past weekend. Some things went well, like Zach LaVine resigning on a massive five-year, $215.2 million contract. Many fans would mark free agency as a win from that move alone. Other things didn't go exactly according to plan, like whiffing on Rudy Gobert, who'd been linked to the Bulls for weeks.

Regardless, the Bulls have a full 15-man roster at the moment, but are still a few moves away from being ready for the 2022-23 season. Here are three moves Chicago must make after weekend one of 2022 NBA Free Agency:

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Bring in Deandre Ayton or another solid rim protector

The Bulls had been linked to center Rudy Gobert for weeks ahead of free agency. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves were able to snag the 3x DPOY before Chicago could pry him away from the Utah Jazz. That leaves the Bulls with a need for a big-name big, or at least a solid rim protector.

Ayton is a restricted free agent in Phoenix. He has been struggling to reach a contract agreement with any team. As his desperation increases and his displeasure with the Suns organization grows, the Bulls could land Ayton in a sign-and-trade or on a discount deal. If the move sounds too unrealistic, there are other available free agents who could make a defensive impact without costing too much: Thomas Bryant, Montrezl Harrell and Dwight Howard come to mind.

Regardless, Nikola Vucevic is not going to cut it defensively and may not even don Bulls red at the start of the season. Chicago needs a better defensive presence down low.

Move on from Coby White

There's less “wow-factor” to this move compared to others, but it's probably time that both parties have an amicable split. The Bulls just signed guard Goran Dragic and drafted Dalen Terry, making a crowded backcourt essentially overfilled. White, a former top-ten pick who has one more year on his rookie deal, already saw his minutes shrink last season.

White, if allowed to become a free agent, will most likely depart in favor of more playing time. Chicago should do their best to gain something in return and free up a roster spot early before the season.

Make the big splash and trade for Kevin Durant

Any fanbase would like to see their team make this move before the season starts, but it could happen for Chicago. Durant requested out of Brooklyn and there have been rumblings that the Bulls are in the mix for the superstar caliber player. A combination of Durant, LeVine and DeRozan (if the Bulls can make the trade without giving up on their stars) would instantly make Chicago a championship favorite.

The biggest factor here is having assets to pull off the deal. The Bulls own most of their first-round picks through 2029 and have protected options for the years they don't. This is in addition to promising young players like White, Terry and Patrick Williams. If the Nets just want to retool instead of rebuild,the most “big-name” player the Bulls would be willing to let go of is likely Vucevic. If the Bulls bring in a player like KD, it would completely change the NBA's landscape.

Chicago has time before the season starts and a lot of directions they can move in. The Bulls front office can be patient, but not complacent.