In a wide-ranging conversation with K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Bulls president Michael Reinsdorf says the franchise will do whatever it takes to win, even if it means paying the luxury tax, something the Bulls have only done once in franchise history.

If the Bulls want to compete in the NBA, they will have to spend, and maybe overspend, to bring players to the Windy City. Right now, the team's core is shooting guard Zach LaVine, power forward Lauri Markkanen, small forward Otto Porter Jr. and center Wendell Carter Jr.

“We want to win and we’re going to spend the money,” Reinsdorf told Johnson. “That’s what it’s about. We’re in it to compete. So whatever it takes to win, we’re going to do.

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LaVine signed a four-year, $78 million deal with the Bulls last summer, so he's under contract until 2022. Porter Jr. can become a free agent in 2020 if he declines his 2020-21 player option with the Bulls. Markkanen has a club option for next season, one which the Bulls are going to pick up, and Carter Jr. is finishing his rookie year this season.

In the coming years, Markkanen and Carter Jr. will be eligible for rookie extensions. You would have to assume the Bulls are going to retain them.

As for free agents, Chicago has never had much luck in signing big time stars. We'll see if that trend will change.