The Chicago Bulls are entering the competition for several of the top free agents come July 1. With LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and potentially Kevin Love as the intended targets, the Bulls will have to fight several other teams if they intend to land even one of those players. Chicago might be able to use Derrick Rose as bait to lure someone in, but the point guard wants nothing to do with recruiting this offseason.
According to the New York Daily News, Rose is not planning on calling any players about potentially joining the Bulls in free agency. Mitch Lawrence reports that Rose has not talked to players like Anthony since the season ended and has no plans to do so despite the news that the guard is opting out of his contract with the New York Knicks. The same goes for James who is viewed as a strong fit for Chicago.
Lawrence continues his report noting that team sources believe Rose actually prefers for Chicago to chase Love in a trade rather than sign James or Anthony. However, if the Bulls try to get Love, they will be forced to trade other assets which could leave Chicago shorthanded. The team has reportedly put up an offer that includes Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson along with a draft pick to get the forward in return. Is that the better deal? Chicago gets a sure-thing in Love, but loses depth along the way.
Lawrence believes that while Rose is not doing any player recruiting, Joakim Noah intends to make a few phone calls. The center is concerned that Anthony is simply using teams like the Bulls to pressure the Knicks into giving him a better contract. Meanwhile, Noah must be concerned about not getting traded this offseason. The Chicago Tribune reports that the Bulls are willing to trade anyone but Rose this year which means Noah could be a target considering his value with other teams.
Chicago could go multiple directions this offseason. The team is looking to build off back-to-back disappointing seasons after injuries knocked Rose off the court. Those knees could play a very large role in who signs on with the Bulls. Not much has been seen from the point guard. He intends to play with Team USA this summer, but until players see where his health is, there could be hesitation from free agents.
