Heading into the offseason, the Chicago Bulls need to stay active. The worst thing they could possibly do is nothing, as they are currently stuck in the midst of mediocrity. Chicago could either tear things down or add to their current core, and it seems as though Arturas Karnisovas wants to do the latter.
One of the biggest decisions the Bulls need to make this summer is whether or not to bring back Nikola Vucevic. Reports indicate they want him back, but regardless, targeting an alternate starting center option could serve the Bulls well. Nabbing a guy who gives them a different look would be very useful. It doesn’t even have to be a starting-caliber player. Just someone who can give the Bulls rotational minutes and provides a different skillset.
Vucevic is a solid player. At his peak, he’s an All-Star. But he’s not the best defender and is slow on the perimeter. With all that in mind, here are three free agents Chicago could target to switch things up from Vucevic.
Chicago Bulls free agency targets to switch up from Nikola Vucevic: Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez is likely out of Chicago’s price range, but if they could work out a sign-and-trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, he would be the perfect fit on the Bulls. His defense and three-point shooting would make him an amazing starting center with the Bulls’ stars.
Chicago Bulls free agency targets to switch up from Nikola Vucevic: Wenyen Gabriel
Wenyen Gabriel is not a starting-caliber center, but he would certainly give Chicago a different look off the bench. His versatility on defense and above-average rebounding could give them a nice spark at the center position as a backup or third-string guy. And at 26 years old, he still has room to improve.
Chicago Bulls free agency targets to switch up from Nikola Vucevic: Chimezie Metu
Just like Gabriel, Chimezie Metu isn’t a starting-caliber center, but he would absolutely give Chicago a different look off the pine. His athleticism and quickness would definitely give them a nice switch-up from Vucevic. Plus, he’s also just 26 years old.
