© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls viewed as a candidate to land free agent big man Christian Wood
Free agent big man Christian Wood has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers for more than a week now, but it appears that a deal is not imminent, leaving the door open for a team like the Chicago Bulls to step in and possibly snag away the sweet-shooting big man. And that appears to be the case, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.
Financial reasons
The Lakers may be a good destination for Wood, given that team’s need for offensive diversity at the forward position. However, there is a roadblock in the form of the Lakers’ financial situation. LA is only able to offer Wood the veteran’s minimum, which is a little over $2 million for a player who has played at least seven seasons in the NBA. The LA Times’ Dan Woike wrote that this has led to some other teams getting involved, with the Bulls being one of them.
“According to sources familiar with the team’s free-agent pursuits but not authorized to speak publicly, the Chicago Bulls are suddenly viewed as a potential threat that could keep the Lakers from landing Wood,” Woike wrote.
Bulls may have the better offer
With the Bulls being granted a disabled player exception due to Lonzo Ball not being able to play at all next season, the team now has $10.2 million to spare, which they may use to acquire Wood.
“The Bulls can use some or all of that money to acquire a player via trade or sign a player to a one-year free-agent deal,” Woike added.
In addition, Wood may not want to price himself down, given his young age and varied skill set. Woike explained:
“There’s also a stigma that exists among players that once you take a vet minimum deal, you price yourself into that category. While it’s not impossible to get a raise in free agency (i.e. Dennis Schroder this offseason in Toronto), once you set your price as a bargain, it’s tough to set a new one.”
