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Chicago Bulls: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

By James D. Tillman III

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 30: Robin Lopez #8 of the Chicago Bulls enters the court before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 30, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 30: Robin Lopez #8 of the Chicago Bulls enters the court before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 30, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. The Bulls and D-Wade will reach an agreement on a buyout

Dwyane Wade playing for the team he rooted for during his childhood was one of the feel-good stories last offseason. You could not have not scripted the moment any better in regards to how he capped off his first game as a member of the Bulls.

Although Wade did show glimpses of greatness during the season, the Bulls were consistently inconsistent. Despite the disappointing end to his first season in Chicago, Wade opted in to the second year of his contract, which will pay him $23.8 million.

What is worth noting, however, is this decision was made before the Bulls traded Butler. Secondly, according to ESPN‘s Nick Friedell — who appeared on “The Jump” earlier this week — stated that some of the younger players are not that fond of the 14-year veteran and future Hall of Famer.

Here’s an excerpt from the segment:

"“The young players on the Bulls really can’t stand Dwyane. It’s no secret in Chicago, they have had enough. “This is inevitable. It’s coming. It’s just a matter of when not if. But right now, guys, it’s just kind of a staring contest. Everybody’s looking at each other saying ‘OK, how much money are you willing to give up?’ “This is a divorce that’s going to happen, but it may take some time.”"

These comments are a direct contrast to John Paxson’s previous comments about the subject.

At the same time, if the Bulls are totally invested in the future of their younger players — which seems to be the case — then what once seemed unlikely will become a reality.

Next: Ranking NBA teams by tiers for the 2017-18 season

That being said, look for the Bulls and Wade to reach an agreement on a buyout around the trade deadline, if not sooner.

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