2019 Central NBA Free Agency Primer: Division with greatest potential for growth
Chicago Bulls
Situation Entering Offseason:
Although the Chicago Bulls spent the last portion of their season winning just five of their final 20 games it should be noted they were in more games than not. Factor in the team was actively tanking to land one of those coveted top three to five 2019 draft picks.
In the end, patience was a virtue as other teams (read: Phoenix Suns) squandered their opportunity to nab a potential future All-Star point guard in Coby White. With White, the Bulls will boast one of the most impressive and talent-laden young cores in the NBA.
Salary:
Cap Space: $ (11,247,653.00)
Floor Space: $ (10,118,860.00)
Max Space: $ 25,253,523.00
Projected Space: $ 20,838,161.00
*as per Keith Smith of Real GM
The NBA has removed Omer Asik's deal from the Chicago Bulls' salary books via career-ending injury/illness, freeing up an additional $3M in space, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Chicago now has upwards of $23M in salary space for free agency.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2019
Key free agents to re-sign
None of the Bulls current crop entering NBA Free Agency are absolutely essential to retain outside of perhaps Robin Lopez. The big man serves as a mentor to the Bulls young bigs and offers consistent effort nightly.
That said, after witnessing his twin brother Brook fall just two games short of reaching the NBA Finals he may have his own desires to join a squad with a greater opportunity of reaching the promised land of NBA Championships.
Chicago is notorious for not spending above the tax threshold so don’t look for them to do so this season either. Their goal will be to add vets who can help their young core develop and grow.
2019 Roster Depth:
- Antonio Blakeney
- Wendell Carter Jr.
- Kris Dunn
- Cristiano Felício
- Shaquille Harrison
- Chandler Hutchison
- Zach LaVine
- Walt Lemon Jr.
- Lauri Markkanen
- Otto Porter Jr.
- Denzel Valentine
Draft Picks:
- Coby White
- Daniel Gafford
2019 free agents
Robin Lopez
Ryan Arcidiacono (Restricted)
Rawle Alkins (Restricted)
Tyler Ulis
Wayne Selden (Restricted)
Brandon Sampson (Restricted)
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
2020 free agents
Shaquille Harrison (Restricted)
Kris Dunn (Restricted)
Denzel Valentine (Restricted)
Antonio Blakeney (Restricted)
Otto Porter Jr. (Player)
Walter Lemon Jr. (Restricted)