For now, the Bulls have the flexibility to open enough cap space for two max contracts. But, we need to keep the following in mind. Bulls guard Zach LaVine is a restricted free agent this 2018 offseason, he will likely sign a new contract this off-season. Therefor there has to be an understanding the 64 million in space I currently project will be lower. How low will depend on the Bulls negotiations with him this off-season, but it should be understood his new contract will likely bring the Bulls about $12–$18 million further away from our 64 million cap space projection. Also keep in mind David Nwaba. I assume he will be resigned but it is possible he won’t be signed to a multi year contract. If a multi-year contract, it’s possible the second year isn’t guaranteed. But even if some or if all is guaranteed, I don’t see him getting too much more than $5 million a season. There is also the 2019 draft pick the Bulls own. Which for now, will be hard to project salary wise because we don’t know where that pick will end up. For now we will just give the pick a value of $2.5 million, which it would be close too if the Bulls pick 15th in 2019. Which is a fair projection for now. With that in mind the Bulls are looking closer to 45 million in cap space, which is about $15-$20 million less than what we need for two max slots. But let’s not get discouraged at the two max contracts idea yet. There are some other things to consider.

Bobby Portis’ cap hold that season is worth $7,483,038. If the Bulls value the idea of having the ability to offer two max contracts, trading Portis before 2019 is something that could happen. Or if the Bulls are actually able to convince two stars to commit to Chicago, then letting Portis walk in free agency in 2019 wouldn’t be that bad at that point. And there also is Denzel Valentine’s $3,377,569 team option. That likely will be accepted by the Oct. 31 deadline, as it should, but moving Denzel in a trade if the space is necessary is also possible. There’s also the idea of attaching assets such as the 2019 1st round pick in a trade to move Felicio. That would save the Bulls about 11 million in cap space by not only moving Felicio, but not drafting a player and taking on his salary that offseason. Theoretically, if the Bulls did all that, we are talking about clearing about $20 million in cap space for that off-season, and getting back to the amount of cap space the Bulls would need to offer two max contracts. But let’s slow down here for a second.

I don’t want Bulls fans to think I am selling that this is necessary. More so I am showing you the flexibility the Bulls have going into the 2019 offseason. The Bulls’ rebuild only will progress if their young core takes big steps next season. That is what is most important. None of this matter if the Bulls flop next season, and end up around 30 wins again. But if the Bulls do play well and make the playoffs, they could easily be one of the more appealing teams come 2019. Not only because they have become a young up and coming team, but because they have the cap flexibility to sign two stars to add to their already young up and coming roster. Which would end the Bulls rebuild and push them back into contention again.