As we covered when the Jazz claimed Erik Murphy off waivers, the Bulls had 24 days of service to offer free agents and remain $750,000 below the luxury-tax line (key for maintaining ability to pay Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson potential performance bonuses).
Chicago signed Ronnie Brewer with 10 days left in the season.
Now, with seven days left in the season, the Bulls will reportedly sign two more free agents – Mike James and Lou Amundson.
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:
Shams Charania of Real GM:
The Bulls will sign Lou Amundson to a free-agent deal later today, sources say. Straight rest of the season contract.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2014
Brewer, James and Amundson will be eligible for the playoffs. If all goes well, they won’t be needed to fill major roles, but they provide depth just in case.
James becomes Chicago’s third point guard behind Kirk Hinrich and D.J. Augustin. The 38-year-old played 11 games with the Bulls earlier this season, so there should be a degree of comfort, even if he brings little upside.
Amundson has played for eight teams in eight years, including the Pelicans this season. He also played two minutes for Chicago last season during a 10-day contract, so he’s another player the Bulls have experience with, if only brief. At his best, the the 6-foot-9 power forward brings energy and rebounding.
