No easy answers for Chicago Bulls in free agency

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives around Utah Jazz's George Hill (3) and Boris Diaw, center, during the first half in Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Friday, April 28, 2017, in Salt Lake City.

Heading into the summer of 2017, the Chicago Bulls can only hope for another pleasant surprise.

A year ago, they weren't expecting to end up with Dwyane Wade in free agency. Wade didn't turn the Bulls into title contenders, and his addition forced the team into a heavy reliance on young players.

After agreeing to terms with Rajon Rondo last July, the Bulls used what was left of their cap space to sign Wade, and there wasn't much else they could do to improve the roster.

This year the goal will be to add some pieces, which could conceivably boost the Bulls higher in next year's Eastern Conference standings.

Before free agency begins July 1, the Bulls will have to figure out if Wade or Rondo will return. Wade has an option to come back next season at $23.8 million, and that appears to be the most likely scenario.

After his exit meeting with coaches and management, Wade seemed to suggest he'd like to see a commitment to improve the roster. He said once he has that conversation with the Bulls' management team of John Paxson and Gar Forman, he'll write down a list of pros and cons.

"I haven't sat down and thought about it 100 percent yet," Wade said Saturday. "It's more so when they come to me with their vision of where they're going, if I feel I can be a big part of it and be comfortable with it."

If Wade returns, the Bulls should have roughly $30 million in cap space to spend. That's if Rondo doesn't come back.

The Bulls have an option to bring back Rondo for $13.4 million next season or buying him out for $3 million. Wade, Jimmy Butler and coach Fred Hoiberg all said they'd like to have Rondo back.

If Rondo does return, that cap space drops to $20 million. Last year the Bulls chose to be cautious as a rising salary cap led to soaring salaries. At this point, it does not appear the Bulls will opt for a complete rebuild by trading Butler.

So whether Rondo is back or not, one question facing the Bulls is whether to pursue a potential star player or try to do some value shopping and maybe add a couple of younger talents on the rise.

The 2017 free-agent class will be top heavy. Kevin Durant can opt out, while Steph Curry's years of being underpaid figure to come to an end.

The Los Angeles Clippers' trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick will hit the market. Paul, who turns 32 later this week, is one of Wade's closest friends in the league, so maybe there's a chance he thinks about the Bulls.

On the other hand, Paul probably sees this summer as his last chance for a large contract, and the Bulls probably wouldn't break the bank for Paul.

Griffin, 28, is an intriguing target, but he seems to be losing some of that stellar athleticism.

Redick signed an offer sheet with the Bulls in 2010. He will be 33 when next season begins, but he did shoot 43 percent from 3-point range this season.

Some other probable free agents are Toronto's Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, Atlanta's Paul Millsap, Utah's Gordon Hayward, Golden State's Andre Iguodala, along with ex-Bulls Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson.

If the Bulls want to chase a potential star, here's a suggestion -- Denver's Danilo Gallinari. At 6-feet-10, he could fit into the power-forward slot and supply plenty of outside shooting.

The Italy native averaged 18.2 points this season. He's not a great 3-point shooter (39 percent) but could be a nice fit next to Butler and Wade.

The question is, how much money would you pay him? Gallinari is eligible for a $30 million maximum salary.

If the Bulls offered the $20 million they'd have available with Rondo, they'd likely be outbid by the Nuggets and maybe other teams. There are no easy transactions in modern free agency.

The alternative is to look for lesser-known players on the rise, which the Bulls have done with some success. E'Twaun Moore was a good example a few years ago.

Finding the right guy is tricky. The Bulls probably wouldn't mind getting athletic wing Justin Holiday back. He went to New York in the Rose trade and is a free agent.

Could Atlanta's Mike Muscala, who shot 41.8 percent from 3-point range this season, be a reliable stretch four? Maybe former Bull James Johnson is worth another look after the best season of his career with Miami.

Sometimes the value players come from overseas or the D-League. Two years ago, Atlanta traded the No. 15 pick in the draft for Tim Hardaway Jr., who has become a valuable piece.

In other words, there are opportunities for the Bulls in free agency, but no easy answers. There's no question this summer will be vital if their quest is to build an NBA Finals contender around Butler.

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