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NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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NBA Free Agency
NBA free agency Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images /

2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: Chicago Bulls

Key Additions: Lonzo Ball (4-yr, $85 million); Alex Caruso (4-yr, $37 million); DeMar DeRozan (3-yr, $85 million); Tony Bradley (2-yr, $3.8 million)

Key Departures: Thaddeus Young (trade to San Antonio); Al-Farouq Aminu (trade to San Antonio); Tomas Satoransky (trade to New Orleans); Garrett Temple (sign-and-trade to New Orleans)

The Chicago Bulls are in a difficult spot, unable to find the talent and coaching necessary to propel them up the standings. Their star shooting guard Zach LaVine is one year away from restricted free agency. They could have relinquished every free agent to clear enough cap space for a renegotiation and extend with LaVine, but that left the team stuck with a tough road to building a playoff contender around him.

Instead, the Bulls made a series of moves to change the roster around LaVine and try to compete now, with him. There is a very good chance they aren’t truly competitive, but it won’t be for lack of trying. They came into free agency and made a series of aggressive moves to change their starting lineup. Their first two moves were excellent, adding Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso to completely overhaul their backcourt defense.

Unfortunately, the third major deal was announced a day or so later, a sign-and-trade with DeMar DeRozan. First, the Bulls mistakenly decided the hole they still needed to fill was on offense. DeRozan is and has been a very poor defender, and is not a plus shooter, but he brings some passing and shot creation. The Bulls decided that was worth $85 million over three seasons, a gross overpay given DeRozan’s impact on winning and the market for him.

For the honor of overpaying DeRozan, the Bulls sent the Spurs Thaddeus Young, probably the team’s best defender, Al-Farouq Aminu, a first-round pick and two second-round picks. Every aspect of that transaction was ill-advised and over-priced and takes what would have been a great free agency and craters it.

Grade: B-

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