LA Clippers: 3 threats to sign Montrezl Harrell this offseason

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 18: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 18, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 18: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 18, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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La Clippers, Montrezl Harrell Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
La Clippers, Montrezl Harrell Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls’ rebuild has stagnated over the years, but there’s still a solid young core in place. Harrell could be just the splashy free agent signing the franchise needs to finally make it back to the postseason.

Wendell Carter showed promise playing at center last season, starting all 43 games he played for the Bulls. He averaged 11.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating plenty of potential at just 20 years old. Carter is only 6-foot-9, though, making him a little undersized as a true center and a better fit to slide down to power forward.

If the Bulls sign Harrell, they can move Carter to a more natural position. That being said, a move to power forward would displace Lauri Markkanen, who is typically a solid three-point shooter and floor spacer at the position.

While Harrell probably wants to be a starter in the NBA, remaining a sixth man doesn’t necessarily need to affect his bottom line, nor his importance to a team. Outside of the postseason, he proved he could play big minutes coming off the bench and leading the subs. Teams love the kind of effort Harrell can provide off the bench, which may be his ultimate fit in Chicago, depending on what new coach Billy Donovan wants to do with Carter.

To make room on the cap sheet, the Bulls might have to deal a contract like that belonging to Otto Porter Jr. It might be worth it to add Harrell to the team.