With the Bulls’ 2017/18 season officially over, executive VP of basketball operations John Paxson spoke today to reporters about a handful of topics in his end-of-season press conference. Notably, while Paxson called the coming offseason “as important a summer as we’ve had in a long time,” he said he expects the majority of the current roster to be back, since the team is “headed in the right direction” (Twitter link via K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune).
The Bulls don’t have any unrestricted free agents on the roster, and none of their players have the ability to opt out this summer, so Paxson’s comments about roster continuity don’t come as a surprise. The most important free agent decisions for the Bulls figure to come in restricted free agency — Zach LaVine, David Nwaba, and Noah Vonleh can all become RFAs.
Let’s round up a few more of Paxson’s noteworthy comments from today’s presser:
- Head coach Fred Hoiberg will “absolutely” be back with the Bulls next season, per Paxson (Twitter link via Johnson). Unlike fellow Eastern lottery coaches Frank Vogel and Jeff Hornacek, Hoiberg was always considered very likely to return, but Paxson’s public confirmation makes it official.
- Although Robin Lopez doesn’t necessarily fit the development timeline of core pieces like Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, and LaVine, the Bulls continue to talk about him as a potential fixture. Paxson said today that the veteran center is “an important part of our future” (Twitter link via Johnson). Lopez is under contract for one more year at a cost of about $14.36MM, so it’s not clear if Chicago envisions keeping him beyond the summer of 2019.
- After finishing in a tie for the sixth spot in the lottery standings, the Bulls are assured of a top-10 pick in the 2018 draft. Paxson said today that the club may target a wing with that lottery selection. “That would be an ideal spot,” Paxson said, per Johnson (Twitter link). “Size and length and a shooting and defensive component at the wing.” Villanova’s Mikal Bridges is one potential option who would fit that description.
Paxson and Foreman don’t know what they’re doing
I am not sold on Dunn as the point guard going forward for that team. Lauri should move to the 5, bring in Bagley and sign Jabari. Obviously bring back Lavine, I think Payne could become the Bulls best option at the 1.
Are you even watching games? You think Payne has more upside then Dunn? Payne is a boarder line nba player. If 2 teams contracted Payne would be out of a job.
Yes I watched lots of Bulls games. Certainly Dunn can be the point guard of the future, just feel like he’s injury prone. As long as franchise player expectations are not on Dunn then he’s fine at the point, either Lavine becomes that franchise player or who ever they draft.
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? What are you not sold on? The kid is a stud. Runs the offense well, plays solid D, distributes the ball well, can shoot, has an inside game. Not being a smart @ $ s, but maybe I’m just missing something?
I think if Trae Young is available you take him. Give me Trae over Kris, Trae has way more game changing potential.
Dunn is excellent at everything you said but do you see the value of a floor space like Trae? Look at the difference Curry has on the Warriors just because he’s such an exceptional off the ball player and outside threat. Having Trae out there would open up the whole floor for Markannen and Lavine, Jabari Parker would also be an ideal target for SF.
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im all the way on board w. jabari, i hope we make that happen.
The Bulls need to draft Trae Young! He can shoot the rock from any spot on the floor!
Guys, if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 1,000 times. Dionis is a troll who just makes crazy claims to get everyone riled up.
Saying that Cameron Payne should be the PG of the future in part because Dunn is injury prone when Payne has only played 113 games in 3 seasons is what I’m talking about. He’s just looking for everyone to overreact, for some reason he must think he’s funny.