Chicago Bulls: Assessing 3 2019 NBA free agency rumors

1. Malcolm Brogdon

The Chicago Bulls have been linked to Malcolm Brogdon for a while now. It’s not surprising since the Bulls were clearly looking for an upgrade at point guard over Kris Dunn. Brogdon, a restricted free agent, played a key role in helping the Milwaukee Bucks to the league’s best regular season record.

Now, the Bulls have 19-year-old Coby White, the seventh overall pick in last week’s draft, as their point guard of the future. Plus, Chicago still has incumbent starter Kris Dunn still on the roster, thus far being unable to move him to another team.

A pursuit of Brogdon would turn the Bulls backcourt into a strength, with White, Brogdon and LaVine all being able to used interchangeably as ball-handlers. It would also give the Bulls an efficient offensive ball-handler capable of knocking down shots.

Last season, Brogdon joined the vaunted 50-40-90 club, shooting 50.5 percent from the field, 42.6 percent from 3-point range and 92.8 from the free throw stripe while scoring 15.6 points per game.

He’d obviously be an upgrade, but the debate centers on whether giving him a rumored four-year, $80 million offer sheet is a prudent move. The Bucks, with other free agency concerns, would have a difficult decision to make regarding matching an offer that high.

Let’s assume the Chicago Bulls want to start making strides in the Eastern Conference. If that’s the case, they need to start developing wins, not just lottery picks. Brogdon’s price tag might be steep, but it’s rare to see a playoff-caliber team operating below budget.

He might be expensive, but it might just be the right move.

The Chicago Bulls will certainly be active during free agency this summer. Who they spend their cap space will be a fun storyline to watch unfold over the next few days.