There was quite a bit of speculation what the Bulls would do this summer, given their lack of progress the last couple of seasons despite making major trades and free agent signings.
Following four straight losing seasons, the Bulls got knocked out of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in 2022. Last season, they had a losing record but qualified for the play-in tournament. After knocking out the Raptors, Chicago got bounced by eventual conference champion Miami.
Fans who were hoping for major changes or a full rebuild were disappointed. Chicago trudged along this summer by re-signing a number of its own free agents and adding a couple of role players.
Center Nikola Vucevic was re-signed on a three-year contract. Ditto for guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. Backup center Andre Drummond opted in to the final year of his contract.
They made a couple of under-the-radar free signings in Jevon Carter, who will compete for the starting point guard job with Lonzo Ball out for the season, and backup forward Torrey Craig.
Barring an unexpected blockbuster move, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams will return to their respective starting spots.
Perhaps familiarity and continuity will help Chicago take the next step. Perhaps Carter, a backup in Milwaukee, will form a solid point guard duo with Alex Caruso. Perhaps this will be the season Williams lives up to his draft status.
That brings us to today’s topic: How do you feel about the Bulls’ offseason approach? Did they do the right thing by essentially staying the course and tweaking the roster or should they have made significant changes?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
This team is stuck in the mud. There is no championship upside and they don’t have very valuable trade pieces. Derozan is in his walk year and his game is underappeciated. Lavine has negative trade value and someone please explain why they brought Vuc back? They couldn/t lose 50 without him?
Vuc was brought back for two reasons. One – when he is the focal point of the offense he scores, at TIMES being one of our best offensive players. Two – it was the only way to save face after that disastrous trade. Vuc is a solid player, but he alone doesn’t put this team in contention. The Bulls need to figure out what to do with Demar and Zach. That combo clearly has not worked out for them and their draft picks have not progressed as quickly as they hoped.
Vuc is the 13 highest paid center in the league right below Poetl, Allen and Capela and right above Nurkić, Robinson and Valančiūnas. He played every game last year and is an efficient double/double machine. His pay seems about right to me. Sure they could’ve let him walk but then who starts at center, Drummond or Taylor? I’d rather have Vuc.
Exactly. The Bulls have to send somebody out on the court to play center. Best choice under the circumstances. Vucevic is a good player, he just isn’t Jokic or Embiid.
The Bulls, like the White Sox, are owned by a cheap, money-focused owner who runs the team like a car wash. It does not matter what they did in the off season, it is akin to moving the deck chairs on a garbage scow.
Bulls off-season means nothing, the owners are happy with 37 wins because the owners are the biggest losers in American history, they belong in jail for how much they steal from fans and the city of Chicago, organization is garbage and will never matter
Well considering the organization has 6 championships led by arguably the greatest player of all time and assembled arguably the greatest team of all time…..the organization had etched itself in nba history. Idk where you get the organization will never matter. That’s just a dumb statement.
They tarnish their legacy with the way Reinsdorf now runs the franchise.
Need 2 more rotation pieces
Flip DD for some younger 6-9 guys ?
The Bulls actually built a good team dynamic, but the problem is, it’s all centered on a good high paced passing pg, ala Lonzo Ball. Unfortunately, not too many replacements for him in the league. They should sign Ish Smith, he might help them at least be competitive
Too early to give up. Has only been two years. AK and Eversley had a reasonable plan, LaVine, DeRozan, Vucevic, Ball, Williams, Caruso and some role players. Can’t help that Ball probably will never be back. Just bad luck. The Bulls did finish the season strong. Were up by 3 points with inside 3 minutes in the play-in game at Miami. The Bulls are stuck in the middle. The Bulls had to make a decision between two imperfect choices tearing it down or trying to improve from within. Think trying another season is the better choice.
Most simply, I think DeRozan should be traded for picks. I think last year’s deadline was the best chance for the best haul. He’s not going to carry this team to a championship, but he’s a leader and teacher on the team. I understand keeping him to mentor the youth, but this is the NBA. I think it’s time to give the youth their shot, along with the vets in place like Zach, Caruso, and vuc, and try to restock some draft picks.
They trade DeRozan by the deadline. Get at least a 1st. Probably don’t see them move LaVine unless someone gets desperate. Vucevic probably is on the team longer than both LaVine and DeRozan. They need to figure out what they have in Pat William’s, is he a 20-30M dude.
Drummond has the worst agent
I know the trade cannot happen. Trade Zach L, Lonzo Ball and C Jones with a 2nd for Harden, Harris and Beverley. Perfect for both teams
What off season? Last year will blend into this year. Same old, Same old. No PF, No dynamic PG, Good C when he plays down low, Bad when he shoots from 25. Unfortunately he loves to do the latter. 41-41, unless there’s injuries, Then much worse.
Bulls doing just fine,they have contending roster,but they still need a proper PG with a vision to distribute balls and a bone breaker No4 to help C’s in paint.I think Bulls will be a big surprise next season,see them in Conference finals at least
“Contending roster?” It’s essentially the same group that’s struggled to finish .500 and qualify for the play-in.
The Bulls did the right things by far. Many will be apologizing to AK for all the bad things they said about him.
Zack and Demar are set for a prime year.
Hang on, I think AK just drafted another guy who can’t shoot…
AK deserves all the criticism he gets and probably more.
They are a mediocre side with big team dreams…
DeRozan is 34 in the final year of his deal and about to leave for nothing. He’s never been a good fit with LaVine and still they continue. Vuce was brought back why? Patty Williams hadn’t developed much at all? And they continue to make poor draft decisions…
AK came with this big bright idea but it’s not worked out and look how well Denver has been since he’s left. I know it’s not all his fault but when your at the top and what you’ve built hasnt meet expectations you should be held somewhat accountable.
They need to tear it down and start again, try get back something of value for DeRozan. Probably give up Caruso to a win now team and get back something more on your timeline. Make a plan on how you will get things back on track.
Me personally…
DeRozan, Drummond and 2 second round picks for Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges.
Calling it one last roll of the dice. Rozier plays defence occasionally, is good either on or off the ball. Has a handle, can make plays, shoots it from deep and can get inside. Solid replacement for Lonzo and fits well next to LaVine. Bridges you hood walks back into his old playing ability in which case you’ve got yourself a really solid forward that plays both ends of the floor and would work well with LaVine and Patty Williams.
Hornets do this to dump Roziers contract and avoid having to make an extension with Bridges. They get experience in DeRozan who would be a great role model for Ball and Miller. Drummond again experienced and mentorship for young bigs Richards and Williams. On top of that they get picks. With DeRozan and Hayward both expiring this season they’d have serious money to spend in FA, that’s a good move for them.
Alex Caruso and Jevon Carter for Thad Young and Precious Achiwura
Toronto gets Caruso who would be huge for them while giving up Thad (easily replaced by McDaniels and Otto Porter returning) and Precious (Koloko and Boucher can take his minutes). Gives the Bulls abit of locker room stability and leadership in Thad. Precious is a young hungry centre with a very different skill set to Vuce.
Rozier LaVine Bridges Williams Vuce
White Ayo Phillips Thad Previous
Might need to fill out roster with a couple FA’s, I’d try go younger but ultimately your still wanting to be competitive. Maybe TJ Warren would be a good starting point