Chicago Bulls: 5 potential free agency targets in 2018
4. Rodney Hood
A lot of the buzz generated around this time of year is just that — buzz. However, the Bulls’ alleged interest in Rodney Hood could be legitimate.
Per source, the #Bulls, #Pacers and #Pelicans — along with the #Cavs — are the current contenders for CLE RFA Rodney Hood. All four are in the mix for the 25-year-old wing.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 27, 2018
You see, prior to the trade deadline, the Bulls and the Utah Jazz had exploratory discussions about Nikola Mirotic.
The two sides failed to reach an agreement as the Bulls wanted a first round pick before they would consider taking on Alec Burks’ $11.5 million for the upcoming season. Hood was subsequently dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Jae Crowder and Derrick Rose.
Unfortunately, Hood’s stint with the Cavaliers didn’t do him any favors. In 21 appearances (including 11 starts) for the Cavs, Hood compiled averages of 10.8 points and 2.6 rebounds on 44 percent shooting from the field. The story took a turn for the worst in the postseason as Hood accumulated five DNP-CDs and scored just 5.4 points in 15.3 minutes per contest.
Prior to the trade, though, Hood was averaging 16.8 points per game with the Jazz and he still averaged close to 15 points per contest overall (14.7) in spite of the rough stretch in Cleveland. The Bulls are in need of wing depth and being that Hood has shot 36.9 percent from 3-point range over the course of his career, having another floor-spacer in the mix certainly wouldn’t hurt.
There will be competition for Hood’s services as the Cavs can match any offer sheet, and the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly expressed interest as well. As is the case with any other option, it will come down to how much the Bulls are willing to spend.