The Chicago Bulls already have an All-Star point guard. But don't rule out the possibility of them acquiring another to fill in while theirs recovers.
According to reports from CSNChicago.com, the Bulls will attempt to sign free agents Steve Nash or Jason Kidd to replace Derrick Rose while he recovers from a torn ACL suffered in this year's playoffs.
Aggrey Sam, the Bulls insider for CSNChicago.com, states that "the Bulls will take a run at future Hall of Famers Steve Nash and Jason Kidd in free agency, trying to convince the former All-Stars that they will have an opportunity to win a championship, of which Kidd has one, from last season with the Mavericks, and Nash has none, in Chicago."
The Bulls' desire to go after a top-notch point guard speaks to the uncertainty over Rose's injury and the timetable for his return. The former MVP suffered a combination of tears in his ACL and meniscus cartilage in his left knee during the team's first round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. He is expected to miss at least eight months, meaning he should return somewhere around the All-Star break.
Without Rose, the Bulls, a favorite to come out of the East this season, struggled mightily as they went on to lose to eight seeded Philadelphia. C.J. Watson started in his place and averaged 7.3 points and 5.5 assists per game in the series. The Bulls have a $3.2 million option on Watson for next season, money that could be used to pay Nash or Kidd.
There is a good chance Kidd could be out of Dallas next season. The Mavs have made it clear that they will try to bring point guard Deron Williams back to his hometown and sign him to a long-term deal.
The Suns' will likely try to resign their franchise player, but Nash could leave in an attempt to win a championship. Other teams that will try to get Nash this summer could include the Nets, Blazers and Raptors, all of whom have the money to sign him. The Heat, Knicks could join the Bulls in trying to get Nash as well. If he signed with any of these three teams, Nash would have to take a substantial pay cut as none have the financial flexibility to give him big money.