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Chicago Bulls: 3 reasons D’Angelo Russell should be a free agency target

By James Gilmore

BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 29: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on January 29, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 29: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on January 29, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3. D’Angelo Russell fits the team’s timeline, and ups the talent level

Let’s face it: Some cities truly lack the patience necessary for rebuilding projects. Count Chicago and its passionate fanbase as one of those cities. Is it fair? Maybe not, but after two throwaway seasons with only 49 wins combined, the Bulls and their fans are ready to start competing at a higher level.

Insert Russell. Not only is he the most talented free agent point guard not named Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker, but he’s also young enough to fit the team’s youth movement with Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr.

Still just 23 years old, the 6’5″ lead guard will be a restricted free agent this summer. Despite breaking out with a career season, he may be available depending on whether Irving bolts the Boston Celtics for Brooklyn. Russell enjoyed the best season of his young career, averaging 21.1 points and 7.0 assists per game while leading the Nets to the playoffs.

Acquiring a dynamic player as talented as Russell could boost expectations in the Windy City and ramp up excitement surrounding a team that has mostly floundered the past few seasons.

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