A (Realistic) Free Agency Preview - Part Two

On the eve of free agency, the Bulls' possibilities are almost as limitless as Bradley Cooper in that one movie. Unfortunately, their checkbook isn't quite that expansive. With the Bulls currently sitting more than $4 million above last year's luxury-tax threshold of around $70 million, it seems that they'll end up with only the smaller $3 million taxpayer mid-level exception and the veteran minimum to offer free agents.

Mat thinks the Bulls will be able to add one piece of note and perhaps take a gamble on a potential high-reward wing player willing to take a lower salary figure: a Brandon Roy, a Michael Redd, a Tracy McGrady. It's hard to pin down which of the many reclamation products the Bulls favor, but it's easier to predict the other player they'll add.

In his post-draft press conference, Gar Foreman mentioned the need to find a point guard in free agency. This did more than depress C.J. Watson; it confirmed the widespread belief that the Bulls would target a veteran to fill the void left by Derrick Rose while he's recovering from injury.

Considering the fact that Derrick Rose will eventually come back, the drafting of Marquis Teague, the potential void in the two-guard rotation left by the departure of Ronnie Brewer and the inevitable injuries of Rip Hamilton, Mat sees the Bulls going for a guy who can play the 1 and the 2.

Steve Nash is the pipe dream, but odds of him taking a steep discount to play with the Bulls are practically zero. Jason Kidd, who Mat likes, might also see himself priced out of the Bulls' range. He's reportedly only interested in signing as Deron Williams's back-up, which rules him out. High-profile veterans like Andre Miller and Chauncey Billups will probably be too expensive, too.

KC Johnson has reported that the Bulls have looked into Kirk Hinrich and Delonte West, which seems like the team's most realistic options. Hinrich has a history with the team, can shoot the three and seems a very Thibodeau-ian player, but he's been downright lousy the past few years. West is a talented headcase who also has a history with Thibodeau. Either fits the "veteran combo guard" mold, and they seem like the two most likely additions for the team. Other realistic possibilities, like Randy Foye or Jonny Flynn, don't exactly whet the appetite.

Ultimately, Mat thinks Hinrich will be the man. He's a higher-character guy, he's a known quantity for the Bulls, he's an outstanding defender, and he'll come cheaper. West could, very easily, command more than $3 million. Hinrich could potentially sign for as cheap as a two-year deal at the $1.3 million veteran minimum salary, freeing up money for the Bulls to target a Brandon Roy.

So, to recap: Mat sees the Bulls roster panning out like this:

[Rose]/Hinrich/Teague
Hamilton/Hinrich/[Reclamation Project] OR [Minimum Salary Player]
Deng/Korver/Butler
Boozer/Gibson
Noah/Asik

The Brandon Roy Scratch and Win Lotto Ticket

The Bulls are reportedly interested in the services, and knees, of once "retired" Brandon Roy.

Brandon Roy used to be a superstar.  Then his knees started to deteriorate due to a rare condition in which he lacks cartilage between some of his bones.

Mat's not so sure that compiling knee injuries is the ticket to the top, but that being said, if Brandon Roy is the right price, he's certainly worth a flier.

Roy is a guy who used to give you 20 points a game.  Odds are he won't be able to return to that form, but if the knees can hold up, he's certainly an answer to the "who else can create a shot" syndrome the Bulls have been facing.

Mat usually prefers known commodities.  Say a Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, or Tyreke Evans, as opposed to draft picks or injury rehab projects, but this one strikes him differently.

Brandon Roy retired.  Done with basketball forever.  Now he suddenly wants back in?  Sounds like a guy who not only has something to prove, but who might not be opposed to proving it for a fraction of the cost he used to make.

Mat salivates over the idea of a healthy Rose, Deng, and Roy on the court at the same time.  He knows it's a pipe dream here on the 26th of June, but what else is the offseason for?