The Chicago Bulls are already starting to form their plan of attack for the offseason run on free agency. The team is hoping with a healed and healthy Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah are enough to persuade at least one max-contract player to join. Chicago has their sights set on either LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, but their plan B includes Lance Stephenson.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Bulls are very high on Stephenson who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Of course the top two choices for the Bulls are James and Anthony, the two biggest free agents this year. Anthony appears set on either staying with the New York Knicks or heading out west to Los Angeles. He has stated he is seeking a large-market team that will allow him to continue his endorsements. Chicago has options, but not exactly what Anthony has said he wants.
James has remained tight-lipped over what his intentions are. The reigning MVP has not spoken about his mindset heading into the summer, but ESPN.com reports that many inside sources believe James could be keen on remaining in Miami for the duration of his contract, instead of opting out.
That would leave the Bulls short-handed and being forced to look elsewhere. The Indiana Pacers shooting guard could be the top target. Stephenson has made it very clear that he intends on remaining in Indiana and would like a contract extension with the team, but the Bulls might pull out all the stops for him.
The team's plan is to move Jimmy Butler to small forward and insert Stephenson who is averaging 13.3 points and 6.7 rebounds this summer. Chicago might find it hard to pull Stephenson away. Both the Pacers and the guard have said negotiations have begun on a long-term contract. The Bulls would really have to raise the price in order to get him.
Chicago has traded away Luol Deng for draft picks, proving the team is targeting a bit of rebuilding. Their next step is to possibly let go of Carlos Boozer. The team has toyed with the idea of using the amnesty clause on the big man who has struggled over the past few years. They will have money to spend on players, it just might not be their top three choices.
