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Chicago Bulls: Complete 2017 offseason grades

By James D. Tillman III

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 18: Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls takes a shot in front of the Bulls' bench during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 18, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 18: Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls takes a shot in front of the Bulls' bench during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 18, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

Overall Analysis

So to recap, here is a quick synopsis of what the Bulls have done this offseason.

They traded away a three-time All-Star who has increased his scoring average every year he has been in the league and posted career numbers across the board in 2016-17. What they got in return was a point guard who is considered an above-average defender, but isn’t considered a major threat from an offensive standpoint.

Additionally, they also got an athletic guard who is working his way back from a serious injury and it is uncertain as to how long it will take him to return to his prior form. With the No. 7 pick – Lauri Markkanen – the Bulls acquired a player who was considered one of the best shooters in this year’s draft class, but comes with his fair share of defensive limitations.

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Despite being 7’0” tall, Markkanen isn’t a great rim protector (0.5 blocks during his lone collegiate season) and the consensus is he has a difficult time holding his own in regards to the ability to boxing out opposing players on the glass. Furthermore, the Bulls included their No. 16 pick in the trade as well. Simply put, this was not was not a great return for what they gave up.

Next, they locked up Felicio for four years and brought back Holiday to the fold after sending him to the Knicks following the 2015-16 season. While neither of these acquisitions will have a major impact, both deals can be considered a positive for a team looking to invest in its young players and seeking stability at the wing spot.

While talks have been quiet between the Bulls and restricted free agent Nikola Mirotic, they did make the decision to acquire a shooting guard who hasn’t played the last two seasons in exchange for a 2018 second round draft pick, which means, for the time being, the Bulls have three players on the roster who are nursing injuries.

Overall, this wasn’t a great offseason by any stretch of the imagination. With an eye on 2018, though, the Bulls aren’t really interested in winning a ton of games, as they hope to be in position to have a high draft pick.

Next: 10 NBA players in need of a trade in 2017-18

Final Grade: C-

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