Chicago Bulls cannot make big roster changes this offseason due to lack of financial flexibility

The Chicago Bulls seem to be stuck between a rock and a hard place.

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are in a tight spot. They still have the “Big 3” of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic—a trio that’s absolutely capable of putting up big numbers on offense. Still, despite having the aforementioned trio for the last two seasons, the team only has a first-round playoff appearance to show for it.

Add to that the injury saga of Lonzo Ball with the presence of numerous free agents, and it’s easy to see why the Bulls are in dire straits. With minimal financial flexibility, their options are limited when it comes to making big roster changes this offseason.

Can’t make big splashes

In an offseason preview by Keith Smith of Spotrac, it was highlighted that the lack of financial flexibility would hinder the Bulls from making significant roster changes.

“The relative lack of immediate flexibility makes it unlikely Chicago makes major changes this summer,” Smith wrote.

This means the Bulls will have a handicap when it comes to dealing or signing free agents—their own or the ones available on the market. The Bulls apparently need to upgrade their roster, as the lack of consistent outside shooters hindered their spacing greatly during the past season. The absence of a battle-tested point guard was also a glaring issue, and it would be wise for the franchise to bring one on board ahead of next season.

Get creative

However, the Bulls will have to get creative with their limited cap space if they hope to make improvements this offseason. They could explore trades involving players with expiring contracts or packaging deals together—though that’s easier said than done. They could also look into signing veterans on minimum contracts while also relying on their young core to develop further and make a bigger impact during the 2023-2024 campaign.

“As long as they don’t give out deals that are too large or too long, that should be fine. The core is solid for at least another year or two. Hit the right role players around them, combined with growth from the kids, and this team should be in the playoffs next season,” Smith concluded.