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

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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. He can take them to playoffs, in his first season

As already stated, the Chicago Bulls have plenty of options to fix their point guard dilemma. They could go the stopgap route with Beverley, they could gamble that Brogdon’s success hasn’t been in part due to playing alongside a potential MVP in Giannis Antentokoumpo, or they could simply draft their point guard of the future and hope Coby White or Darius Garland is available with the seventh overall pick.

The best route toward instant playoff contention is to pursue D’Angelo Russell. If — and it’s a big if — the Nets acquire Irving and decide not to match any offers for their incumbent starter, then Chicago should chase Russell.

For Chicago, after a 22-60 season that featured injuries, firings and near mutinies, a season with playoff aspirations would be refreshing. The Bulls are building a nice core of talented players, but are lacking a true playmaker.

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If the front office is serious about a playoff return, then a pursuit of D’Angelo Russell should be at the top of their list in free agency this summer.