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If the Chicago Bulls' dreams were to come true this upcoming offseason, all five of these stars would be up for grabs during 2017 NBA Free Agency.
At this moment, the Chicago Bulls are still trying to bounce back from a midseason meltdown. Inner turmoil tore apart any semblance of chemistry this team had, but there appears to be a brighter future ahead for one of the NBA's most storied franchises.
Even if they don't make the playoffs in 2017 (a real possibility), the Bulls could be in for a big offseason. They should have a decent amount of cap space to work with, and there are a number of tantalizing talents set to be available during 2017 NBA Free Agency. That's where these dream scenarios enter the mix.
It's not often big names change teams during free agency. However, as we saw with Kevin Durant last year, crazy things can happen in the NBA. So why not imagine a situation in which the Bulls find themselves a new superstar when July rolls around? It's not like they're in an undesirable market like Milwaukee or Oklahoma City…
With that in mind, let's take a look at five "dream" targets for Chicago duriing 2017 NBA Free Agency. Remember that these are hypothetical (and unlikely) options for the Bulls, but that doesn't mean they're completely impossible. It's not like anyone saw the New Orleans Pelicans teaming up Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins before the trade deadline.
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Jeff Teague, PG – Indiana Pacers
There's a very good chance the Bulls undergo significant changes in the backcourt this upcoming offseason. Rajon Rondo already appears to have one foot out the door, and Michael Carter-Williams is also unlikely to be back.
If both players are gone, Chicago will absolutely need to look for a new starting option at point guard. Jerian Grant hasn't exactly proven himself as the man to hold down the 1-spot for the next decade. That's where a pending free agent like Jeff Teague could come into play.
There's a very good chance he re-signs with the Pacers. However, if that doesn't happen, the Bulls would be wise to jump at the opportunity to sign him. Not only could he likely be had for less than a max deal, but he's a tough, well-rounded talent who can contribute in many different areas. His per-game averages of 15.2 points, 8.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals are proof of that.
Especially if the Bulls are still in win-now mode, targeting Teague makes too much sense. He can immediately step in and bring leadership and stability to a franchise that can't seem to get out of its own way.
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Gordon Hayward, SF – Utah Jazz
It's unclear what the future could hold for the Bulls on the wing. Jimmy Butler has been considered a trade candidate for the last year or so, and Dwyane Wade has a player option for 2017-18. There's a good chance one or the other isn't back in Chicago next season.
If that truly is the case, the Bulls will need to find a capable replacement who can strike fear in opposing defenses from the wing. I can assure you that Gordon Hayward is more than capable of starring in said role. It also helps that he's versatile enough to play either the shooting guard or small forward position.
Put simply, Hayward is a big-time playmaker and star of the show for the Jazz. However, it's not going to be cheap getting him back under contract when he inevitably declines his player option. If Utah balks at his asking price, there's a decent chance he could make it to the open market. If that happens, the Bulls better be blowing up his agent's phone.
A combination of Hayward and Butler would be deadly. They would be to wings what Davis and Cousins are to big men. If the Bulls moved on from Wade or Butler, they could absolutely find the cap space to get the dynamic scorer under contract this offseason.
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Kyle Lowry, PG – Toronto Raptors
As previously mentioned, the Bulls could use an upgrade at point guard. The mix of Grant, Rondo, Carter-Williams and Cameron Payne aren't going to get the job done, especially if a couple of those names aren't even on the roster in 2017-18.
I like Teague as a second-tier option, but these are dream scenarios–first-tier talent is far from off limits. Hence, the inclusion of Kyle Lowry on this list. And boy, if they could get him, Chicago would be trending in an unmistakably upward direction.
Despite his 30 years of age, Lowry is still one of the best point guards in the NBA. Prior to his recent injury, he had the Raptors rolling with 22.8 points, 6.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game on the season. However, with a player option this offseason, it's not out of the realm of possibility to think he could decline and test the free agency waters.
If that's the case, the Bulls would at least have to kick the tires on Toronto's star guard. It would cost the team a pretty penny to bring him to the Windy City, but he'd immediately upgrade this Chicago backcourt with the potential to get this franchise back on track toward contention. That is, if he can stay healthy.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Griffin, PF – Los Angeles Clippers
Right now, the Bulls could use some more star power in the frontcourt. While Bobby Portis has flashed some potential as the starting power forward and Robin Lopez is far from the worst starting center in the NBA, an upgrade wouldn't be the worst idea.
Unfortunately, the options scheduled to hit the open market are limited. There are only a couple of top-tier big men set to be available, with Blake Griffin being the only true superstar of the bunch. That is, unless you're brave enough to consider Paul Millsap a superstar–which I'm not.
Let's not pretend like the Bulls would pass on an opportunity to sign Griffin. He's easily one of the NBA's most athletic big men, and uses that athleticism well when it comes to making big plays on the court. While he's dealt with a slew of injuries in recent years, Griffin can make an undeniable impact when healthy.
Would this be a solve-all for the Bulls? Probably not. It would, however, give their frontcourt a much-needed boost while also giving their offense some serious firepower in the paint. Griffin bringing his talents to Chicago would absolutely help this franchise get over the steep hill it's currently climbing.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Curry, PG – Golden State Warriors
Now this would be the real dream. I've already discussed why the Bulls need help at point guard, but signing Stephen Curry would be like injecting nitro into this offense. I can only imagine what a combination of Curry and Butler would look like.
More importantly, Curry would give one of the NBA's most average offenses some serious scoring potential. We've all seen the type of damage the dynamic point guard can do when he gets hot. Not only does he have amazing handles, but he uses them to create open looks–which he sinks with style more often than not.
Signing Curry would give the Bulls the star power needed to bring this franchise back to its glory days. While I wouldn't go as far as comparing them to the 1995-96 Chicago team, having the two-time NBA MVP on the roster would go a long way towards bringing the Bulls back to relevance. I mean, he did help the Warriors break that Bulls team's long-standing mark for the best single-season record.
Crazier things have happened in the NBA, but Curry is nearly guaranteed to bring his talents back to the Warriors this offseason. Barring some absurd scenario playing out that sends him to the open market, he could very well play out the remainder of his professional career in the Bay Area.
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