ASK THE REPORTER
What is the ideal offseason for the Bulls if they don’t somehow land a top-three pick? What types of moves in the draft and free agency can they make to truly indicate that this rebuild is progressing at an acceptable clip? Adam, Naperville
To me, those are separate issues. For the rebuild to progress at an acceptable clip, you need health and progression from players already on the roster. Specifically, Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine have to take another step toward stardom. Wendell Carter Jr. has to progress. Porter needs to show he can be more than a very talented glue guy. The draft will add another nice developmental piece. Free agency is to make the Bulls more competitive in the short term and, as John Paxson said, make the Bulls relevant again. But in order to open a championship window, at least two of LaVine, Markkanen, Carter and Porter need to play at an All-Star level.
If the Bulls remain at No. 4 after the draft lottery next month, should they take the best player available or look to move down? Tyler, Normal, Ill.
First, you obviously have to explore moving up. I don’t see Kris Dunn with much trade value these days, but you’d at least have to make an offer of No. 4 and Dunn to see what you can get. Assuming they stay at No. 4, I’d probably try to move down as long as you got a valid enough sweetener to do so. Most scouts and draft observers are calling this a threeplayer draft. And while the Bulls pride themselves on their strong drafting and ability to find value at any pick, adding an asset and finding a contributor with a lower pick sounds more valuable overall.
If the Bulls don’t jump up and draft Ja Morant, who might be an option for them to pursue at point guard this offseason? It seems hard to imagine attracting a half-decent free agent with how unpopular their coaching staff and front office are around the league. Sean S., Buffalo Grove
For the type of free agents the Bulls will be pursuing, money and opportunity will play as big if not a bigger factor than any perception about the front office and coaching staff. Free agents also look at potential teammates, and the Bulls do offer some intriguing young pieces. The point guard possibilities are well-documented. I’d guess Patrick Beverley is the most obtainable of the so-called veteran options that include Darren Collison, Ricky Rubio and Derrick Rose. There also are solid contributors such as Cory Joseph, Tyus Jones (who is restricted) and Ish Smith. The Bulls will be adding a point guard. It’s just a matter of which one.