The Chicago Bulls are determined to make big roster adjustments this offseason after two-straight years of postseason disappointment. Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson are simply not enough when Derrick Rose is not in the lineup and Chicago wants to establish their own version of the Big 3 in order to return as a true threat in the Eastern Conference. With some pretty big moves rumored to be on the horizon, what exactly does Chicago have up their sleeve?
The first is prioritizing free agents. While the Bulls have been linked to LeBron James and a trade for Kevin Love, it appears the original plan of Carmelo Anthony is the best option. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Bulls will do their due diligence on Love and how much he might cost, but signing Anthony remains the team's top option. Chicago has the assets to make a deal for Love that the Timberwolves would like, but they would lose less by just signing Anthony in free agency.
For the Bulls to get Anthony, they can amnesty Carlos Boozer and still retain Taj Gibson. Of course Chicago favors trading Boozer over using their amnesty clause, the big man is likely out come July 1. The Bulls would sign the guard to a four-year, $95.8 million max contract and form their Big 3 with Noah, Rose and Anthony. In order to get Love, they would have to put together a trade package that would consist of Boozer, Jimmy Butler and first-round draft pick at the cheapest. Chicago is simply not interested in selling the farm for Love.
The Bulls need Anthony more than they need Love. He can be the true scoring threat Chicago has missed out on while taking pressure off Rose when he returns. On top of Anthony, re-signing Luol Deng is favored move for Chicago, but will require creativity. When the season ended, Chicago did not rule out a return of the forward and the Chicago Sun-Times notes the team will look to negotiate a deal that failed to get done last year and resulted in a trade.
Not trading for Love gives the Bulls draft picks to work with. According ESPNChicago.com, the Bulls are liking the looks of Tyler Ennis as someone to develop and pair with Rose. A few seasons ago, drafting a point guard seemed stupid for Chicago, but Rose has played in 50 games over the past three seasons. However, now it is a necessity and Ennis is an excellent option.
General manager Gar Forman told ESPN the team was hopeful to re-sign DJ Augustin and Kirk Hinrich if they are willing to accept cheaper contracts. If now, Ennis could be a solid option for the team if both players are seeking more money.