The Chicago Bulls need to make these three moves after tonight’s NBA Draft to ensure success next season.
As it usually is, the NBA Draft was a big deal, but the Chicago Bulls have work to do afterward as they look to make next season another strong one.
Last year, the Bulls finished 46-36 and second in the Central Divison. They fell to Milwaukee in the first round of the playoffs, so while that finish was good for the Bulls, there is still plenty of work to do.
The biggest takeaway from this past season is that they made progress and overperformed after losing Lonzo Ball.
While overperforming without a guy like Ball is a good thing, we must think about what would have happened if Ball wasn’t injured. Would the Bulls have beaten Milwaukee if Ball stayed healthy?
The Bulls have just one pick in this 2022 NBA Draft, which will be the No. 18 overall pick. This is why they must focus on winning the post-draft period.
With Ball healthy next year and with the team making critical post-draft moves, the Bulls could go on the run all of their fans expect them to do.
Chicago Bulls can win the offseason by making these three things happen after the NBA Draft.
3. Sign Zach LaVine to the max
One of the first things the Bulls need to do is sign Zach LaVine to a hefty contract. As an unrestricted free agent, there is a solid shot he leaves Chicago and goes to another team.
LaVine is a core player for the Bulls and someone that mixes well with Ball, so keeping him on this team is a top priority.
Chicago needs to wine and dine LaVine to keep him around, and most importantly, they need to pay this man.
Last season, LaVine averaged 24.4 points, 4.5 assists and shot 47.6% of his field goals. He is a solid member of this team, so whatever the Bulls need to do, they need to make it happen.
According to an NBCSports article, LaVine could see a five-year contract worth around $212 million, which is a year longer than the last one and a lot higher in terms of money.
Once the Bulls finalize this contract, they can build around him and Ball. However, this is top priority because LaVine makes Chicago better.
2. Chicago Bulls need to make an offer to Rudy Gobert
If the Bulls cannot resign Zach LaVine, then one of the best names they could get is Rudy Gobert. Perhaps replacing LaVine with Gobert could help the Bulls make a deeper run than they were able to in 2021.
NBA Insider Marc Stein said on a live show that the Bulls were at the front of the pack to land him, so it would be a great move to make if something happens with LaVine. Even if they keep LaVine, adding Gobert could be a great addition because they both are productive.
The Bulls should want Gobert because it would help them succeed in the middle and help them defensively. If Chicago could get some help on that side of the ball, it would help them be even more successful next season.
Plus, adding him alongside Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso would help protect the rim as well. Gobert is a solid player that can provide a lot for the Bulls, so this would be another important move to make.
There are not many cons when it comes to whether or not Gobert should be a part of this Bulls franchise next year. Chicago wants to win, and they can by adding him to the roster. They could probably get him for a decent price too, which makes him even more appealing.
1. Take a flier on a familiar face in Thaddeus Young
The final thing the Chicago Bulls need to do this offseason is add a guy like Thaddeus Young to the roster.
If the Bulls can resign Zach LaVine, then Young would be a cheaper option to add alongside him without skipping on the talent.
During his two years at Chicago, he averaged 11.2 points, 3.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds last season. However, it was his versatility that made him so appealing.
While he can play a few different positions, when he was first in Chicago, there wasn’t enough talent around him. However, now that Lonzo Ball is with the Bulls, there is more than enough talent for the Bulls to be successful.
No one needs to focus on what the Bulls did when Young was with them last. Instead, the fans need to welcome him with open arms because he can help this team right now.
Young and LaVine are close, so putting them back together would also be an excellent idea for the Bulls to take it to another level next season.
Chicago has a lot of work to do this offseason to find Ball some help, keep LaVine, and add some extra talent to take this franchise to another level. A deeper playoff run can happen, but it starts by winning the offseason with these moves.