The Chicago Bulls certainly do not have an issue with size on their roster. The team parted ways with Carlos Boozer in the offseason, but made up for it by signing Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and Nazr Mohammed for the center/power forward spots. That will certainly help them when facing the new talent in the Eastern Conference after Kevin Love joined the Cavaliers while countering the bigs on the Indiana Pacers. However, the abundance of big men is pushing certain players to the bench and might even force a trade before the actual season kicks off.
The Bulls announced the signing of Mohammed on Monday via Twitter. The sixteen-year veteran had worked out a couple times for the Bulls and other team, but had yet to be offered a contract in free agency. He opted to simply return to Chicago. The veteran will simply be a bench talent for Chicago which is never bad to have on hand. Plus they stole him away from the likes of the Miami Heat and Cavaliers who were also very interested in his talents. However, what does this mean for the other big men on the Bulls' roster?
According to Jabari Davis, the first thing that could happen is a trade of Taj Gibson. The power forward/center certainly has high stock in the league considering his talents and young age. Gibson was a bench player last year, but proved himself worthy of a starting spot, something that looked poised to happen after the Bulls refused to deal him in a move to get Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. With several teams looking for quality young size, Gibson would be the best available.
There were also reports that Mirotic could be traded. The Bulls moved up in the NBA Draft in order to get the Real Madrid forward. Some wondered if it was to be able to trade him later on down the road. However, according to the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls have promised Mirotic that he is staying put in Chicago. Mirotic paid a lot to have his contract bought out and the Bulls have promised him it will all be worth it despite the fact that he will now be competing for minutes alongside Gasol, Gibson and Mohammed.
The Bulls certainly have a very deep bench which makes the immediate contenders in the beefed up Eastern Conference. However, if they can find at least one more deal before the season begins, they will take it.