The item atop the Chicago Bulls’ to-do list this offseason is re-signing NBA All-Star Zach LaVine. While that seemed like it would be a formality at one point, people around the league are no longer so sure about that.
LaVine is going to do his due diligence in free agency, taking in all that it has to offer for the first time in his career. Chicago should still be considered the favorites to retain him, but his return isn’t as cut-and-dry as it once seemed.
The Chicago Bulls could see some more turnover in their backcourt this offseason as well. After adding Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso last year, they could look to bolster the unit once again.
Chicago used a second-round pick on Ayo Dosunmu to add some more depth, but they could have their eyes set again on Dennis Schroder.
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Schroder was someone that Chicago had an interest in last offseason when he was a free agent. He was seeking a huge contract, turning down a four-year extension worth more than $80 million from the Los Angeles Lakers expecting to make more on the open market. That big contract never came, as Schroder signed a one-year, $5.9 million deal with the Boston Celtics.
When the Celtics shopped him ahead of the deadline, the Bulls once again had an interest as Schroder would have helped compensate for Ball and Caruso being sidelined. They missed out, as the Celtics traded him to the Houston Rockets.
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Now a free agent again, the Chicago Bulls are expected to pursue him, but with a caveat. Their interest in bringing Schroder in hinges on finding a team that is willing to trade for guard Coby White, who is eligible for an extension this summer.
“The Bulls had an interest in Schroder at the deadline last February. If they trade guard Coby White in the coming weeks, a league source said, their interest in Schroder could be revived. Schroder had his best year as a pro while playing under Billy Donovan in Oklahoma City in 2019-20.”
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The familiarity with playing under Billy Donovan once already, and experiencing the level of success that he had, is something that could certainly draw Schroder to Chicago.
Given the lack of cap space around the league, he may have to settle for a one-year deal again before looking to cash in as a free agent in 2023 when more teams have money to spend.
In Chicago, Dennis Schroder would be able to settle into the Bulls’ sixth man role that he excelled in with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It isn’t the lead playmaking role that he was seeking last offseason, but it could lead to him landing one if he plays well again and rehabs his value.
