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After witnessing a complete turnaround during the 2021-22 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls have plenty to be proud of. Despite being outplayed by the Milwaukee Bucks during the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Bulls still made strides and improvements. With Zach LaVine's impending free agency being a top priority, the Bulls will have to do all they can to keep him in the picture long-term.
On top of this, they also have major holes in their roster that they must remedy. It would be a grave understatement to say the Bulls have their work cut out for them heading into NBA free agency. Let's now take a look at the four best moves the Bulls can make in the offseason to retool and compete for a championship in 2023.
Bulls Offseason Moves
4. Bring back Derrick Jones Jr.
As a dynamic two-way player that brings a ton of explosion and athleticism on the wing, re-signing back Derrick Jones Jr. should be on Chicago's to-do list during the 2022 NBA offseason. His slashing ability, 3-point shooting, and perimeter defense did wonders for the Bulls this past season.
So bringing back Jones Jr. in any capacity would be ideal for this perennial title contender. If the Bulls don't want to bring him back, there'll undoubtedly be teams interested in this young forward. Having said that, bringing back Jones Jr. would be a highly beneficial move for the Bulls to make this summer.
3. Sign Kyle Anderson, T.J. Warren, and DeMarcus Cousins
If there's one thing the Bulls could use more of it's depth and quality veteran play. Going after quality veteran role players like Kyle Anderson, T.J. Warren, and DeMarcus Cousins would fill major holes in their roster while giving them a more complete rotation. Between Anderson's playmaking and facilitating, Warren's 3-point shooting and defense, and Cousins' low-post dominance and rebounding, the Bulls would have a great mix of skills and veteran leadership.
This would also lessen the load for Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Lonzo Ball. Cousins found new life as a backup center with the Denver Nuggets this past season while Anderson and Warren both had productive seasons with their respective teams as well. On the Bulls, they could be apart of something special while helping the Bulls reach the next level in 2023.
2. Trade for Christian Wood
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This move would be a real game changer for the Chicago Bulls and give them a promising young center to pair with Zach LaVine while giving them their superstar duo of the future. Granted it would require them to part ways with Nikola Vucevic, but it'd be a move well worth it considering the endless amount of talent that Christian Wood possesses.
His ability to score in a multitude of ways mixed with his rebounding, interior defense, and shot blocking are all major attributes that the Bulls would benefit from. Plus he'd from an electric pick-and-roll game with LaVine and allow them to space the floor better with his versatile offensive skillset.
This in-turn would create more slashing opportunities for LaVine, DeRozan, Ball, and Alex Caruso. On top of that, Wood would also form an elite big man tandem with Patrick Williams and give the Bulls a formidable frontcourt to work with. If the Bulls want to continue climbing the ranks of the Eastern Conference next season, then this is a trade they must make.
1. Re-sign Zach LaVine to a max-deal
At 27 years old, Zach LaVine is still just scratching the surface of his superstardom. During his tenure with the Bulls, LaVine has taken his game to new heights and become an NBA All-Star. Despite recent rumors and reports that he's grown tired of playing second fiddle to DeRozan and is set to meet with several teams during 2022 NBA Free Agency, LaVine is best suited to finish out his career playing for the Bulls.
Chicago also knows this to be true and need to do everything in their power to retain him this summer. They must also ensure that LaVine will be the focal point of their game plan moving forward. In due time though, DeRozan will retire and LaVine will become the face of the franchise. So giving LaVine a max deal would be in Chicago's best interest.
Especially if they want to build on this year's success. Assuming all goes to plan for them, having LaVine return to the Bulls with a starting five that features Wood, Ball, DeRozan, and Williams would be very enticing for him and give the Bulls an elite line-up to work with. If the Bulls want to remain relevant in the deep and talented Eastern Conference, then throwing a big payday at LaVine is of utter importance.
