6 free agents Bulls should target with mid-level exception
Given how many times Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley have stated the Bulls possess too much talent to only have won 22 games in a shortened 2019-20 season, the new management regime’s main focus appears to be internal improvement.However, the Bulls will also have opportunities to upgrade the roster this offseason.Whether they do that via trade, the Nov. 18 NBA draft, or free agency remains, like much of this regime’s intentions, unknown. If, as expected, Otto Porter Jr. exercises his $28.5 million player option and the Bulls use the No. 4 overall pick on Nov. 18, they would be at 13 guaranteed contracts. Decisions loom on potential restricted free agents Kris Dunn, Denzel Valentine and Shaquille Harrison, and they own the No. 44 overall pick this year as well.Should the Bulls dabble in free agency, they will possess the non-taxpayer mid-level and bi-annual exceptions. Though exact financials haven’t been set by the league yet, projections are for those deals to start at $9.2 and $3.6 million, respectively. MLE contracts can run up to four years; BAE deals can run up to two.Karnišovas and Eversley must thread the needle of trying to upgrade the roster while preserving the ample salary-cap space projected for the 2021 offseason. For the purposes of this assignment, here are five players the Bulls can and should target with their mid-level exception.
2019-20 statistics: 69 games (26 starts); 25.5 mpg, 9.3 ppg; 38.5% 3P
Pros: Shot a career-high 38.5 percent from 3-point range this season while averaging his third-lowest playing time on a deep Lakers roster. That’s proof he could handle a complementary role. Also showed his 3-and-D reputation translates to big moments. He provided two huge performances in the NBA Finals. Has been durable throughout his seven-year career.
Cons: He’s almost certain to draw interest from the Lakers and may be seeking more than the MLE, since he reportedly plans to decline his $8.4 million player option. Has never really developed as a playmaker, and the Bulls lack those.
2019-20 statistics: 65 games (53 starts); 28.8 mpg, 10.5 ppg; 34.3% 3P
Pros: Adept at starting or coming off the bench, which is crucial for a Bulls team that has starting-caliber wings who are often injured. The Bulls have also lacked physical toughness, and few come more rugged than this no-nonsense Marquette product, who has been durable and consistent throughout his eight-year career. An up-and-down 3-point shooter, but he hit 44.5 percent of his long-range looks across 20 regular-season games with the Heat before trading hot and cold streaks in the playoffs. He's 34 percent for his career.
Cons: Crowder made $7.8 million last season and will be looking for a raise after making a huge impact for the Heat on their run to the NBA Finals. The Heat, who acquired him at the trade deadline, could also be looking to re-sign him — though they, like the Bulls, will also be looking to keep their books as clean as possible for next offseason.
2019-20 statistics: 58 games (17 starts); 20.5 mpg, 9.7 ppg; 38.6% 3P
Pros: Let’s keep the Bulls’ focus on raiding players who appeared in the NBA Finals. In some ways, Morris is a slightly larger, slightly more menacing and slightly less expensive version of Crowder. Like Crowder, he has bounced around but has made a positive impact more often than not. Doesn’t need the ball to be effective. Could be veteran insurance if the Bulls trade Thaddeus Young.
Cons: He can sometimes cross the line with his emotion and physicality. After agreeing to a buyout from the Detroit Pistons to join the Lakers, he may not be open to signing with a team trying to exit a rebuild.
2019-20 statistics: 56 games (6 starts); 18.2 mpg, 8.3 ppg; 37.7% 3P
Pros: He’s tough, durable and steady. Can play on or off the ball but doesn’t need the ball (or shots) to be effective. He’s a career 39% 3-point shooter, rarely turns the ball over and competes at the defensive end. Has only been a full-time starter in one of his nine NBA seasons, so he'll be comfortable in a reserve role.
Cons: Could be looking for long-term security since he’s turning 32 in February and is coming off a four-year deal in New Orleans.
2019-20 statistics: 57 games (13 starts); 24.9 mpg, 10.5 ppg, 4.6 apg; 34.8% 3P
Pros: On top of the Moore suggestion, this isn’t some former Bull bias. Augustin provides floor spacing with his career 38% 3-point shooting, an ability to break down defenses with lane penetration and a relatively low career usage rate. He’s not a ball stopper. Low maintenance, consummate pro who makes most of his minutes and would be ideal fit for any of the guard pairings.
Cons: Would slide Tomáš Satoranský almost exclusively into an off-the-ball role where, if Otto Porter Jr. and Chandler Hutchison stay healthy, a logjam could develop.
2019-20 statistics: 59 games (16 starts); 23.3 mpg; 8.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 0.9 bpg; 52.7% FG, 28% 3P
Pros: Still 23 years old and has the physical tools (6-foot-6, 7-foot wingspan) to be an impact defender. Versatile across multiple positions. Protects the rim and rebounds well for a forward. An athletic marvel, he'd help the Bulls' transition game and trouble finishing around the basket while not needing the ball to affect games.
Cons: A career 28.2% 3-point shooter on low volume and not much of a playmaker. His youth connotes untapped potential, but also inexperience for a team that is in need of a steady hand. With Crowder a free agent and Andre Iguodala aging, the Heat may also look to retain Jones for the long-term, even if he's superfluous for now. And even if they don't, teams with cap space are reportedly interested, which could drive his price past the risk-reward intersection.
