The Chicago Bulls seem intent on competing for a playoff spot next season. They were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament this past year, just two seasons after forming their new-look squad. With the talent they have on the roster, they should be a playoff team, but they simply fell short.
Now, with Zach LaVine leading the way, the Bulls will look to push forward. Some may think Chicago should trade LaVine and DeMar DeRozan and let Nikola Vucevic walk, but Arturas Karnisovas seemingly has other plans. So, if he wants to compete, the Bulls will need to make some serious changes this summer.
And considering LaVine is the star of the show, maybe Chicago should bring in some guys with connections to him. Here are three free agents the Bulls should sign with connections to LaVine.
Chicago Bulls free agency targets with Zach LaVine connections: Max Strus
It’s a minute connection, but it’s a connection nonetheless. Max Strus played two games with LaVine and the Bulls in the 2019-20 season, and since then, he’s blossomed into a great player. Strus, who is from the Chicago area, would bring some much-needed shooting to the Bulls’ lineup. They would have to steal him from the Miami Heat, but they can’t afford to pay anyone, so it could be possible.
Chicago Bulls free agency targets with Zach LaVine connections: Jaylen Nowell
Jaylen Nowell and LaVine have never been teammates, but they are both from the Pacific Northwest, a community known for being tight-knit. They have also been filmed working out together with Jamal Crawford, who is also from the area. There’s a chance Nowell receives more money in free agency than Chicago can give him, but he’d still be worth making a run at as he would help strengthen their wing position.
Chicago Bulls free agency targets with Zach LaVine connections: Lance Stephenson
This idea is completely out of left field, but why not? Lance Stephenson and LaVine only played six games together on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2016-17 season, and the former did not appear in the NBA this past season. He’s been playing with the Leones de Ponce in the Puerto Rican League.
However, at just 32 years old, Stephenson could still have some years left in him. And if Patrick Beverley leaves, Chicago could bring him in to provide them with a nice spark and some veteran leadership.
Stephenson obviously wouldn’t play a ton of minutes, but he could be an energetic presence to have on the roster.
