Just a few days into NBA free agency, the Chicago Bulls have been active. On the first night, they re-signed Coby White to a new deal and brought in veteran point guard Jevon Carter on a three-year contract. A few days prior, they re-signed star big man Nikola Vucevic.
However, they still need to fill their roster. While the Bulls are striving for a playoff spot next year, they should also be trying to add young talent they can develop into high-level guys. Trendon Watford fits that description perfectly.
Elias Schuster of Bleacher Nation first brought up the idea, listing Watford as a realistic name Chicago could target on a minimum contract. The Portland Trail Blazers recently waived the young forward in a move that came as a shock to many.
Watford is just 22 years old and is entering his third NBA season. He showed significant potential in Portland this past season, appearing in 62 games and playing 19.1 minutes per contest.
The 6-foot-9 power forward/center averaged 7.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 56% shooting from the field and 39.1% shooting from beyond the arc (on just 1.0 attempts per game).
For a Bulls squad in need of forward depth, Watford provides the perfect mix of quality play and developmental intrigue. He’s a hard-nosed player who plays with an elite level of hustle, and he would undoubtedly become a fan favorite in Chicago, should he be brought on board.
Watford should top the Bulls’ free agency target list heading into the coming days.