Report claims Chicago Bulls are interested in acquiring Rudy Gay

Should the Bulls pursue the veteran forward?

© Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

After a flurry of moves this offseason, the Chicago Bulls may have bolstered their squad enough to make a legitimate run at the NBA Playoffs next season. However, it appears the Bulls aren’t done wheeling and dealing just yet, as a report states that the team is interested in acquiring veteran forward Rudy Gay.

Interest from playoff contenders

After getting waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the former UConn star has attracted the attention of numerous teams. According to Scotto, this includes the Bulls, a team that needs wing depth and veteran leadership.

“Veteran forward Rudy Gay is expected to draw interest from several playoff-caliber teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and New Orleans Pelicans, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.

Scotto added that save for a finger injury, Gay was relatively healthy last season and played a contributing role in the Jazz’s rotation as a reserve power forward.

“Gay was healthy last season minus a finger joint sprain that sidelined him for two weeks and a member of Utah’s rotation through most of last season. Over the last few years of his career, the 17-year veteran has developed into primarily a power forward,” Scotto added.

Teams expected to show interest in Rudy Gay:

Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Lakers
Dallas Mavericks
Chicago Bulls
New Orleans Pelicans

“Gay was healthy last season minus a finger joint sprain that sidelined him for two weeks and a member of Utah’s rotation through most of… pic.twitter.com/9se8G5RBYs

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 21, 2023

Should the Bulls go for it?

Gay is clearly in the twilight of his career. With 17 seasons under his belt, the 36-year-old averaged just 5.2 points on 38 percent shooting and made just 25 percent of his shots from three-point land. The Bulls have prioritized acquiring players who can accurately shoot from the outside, so in that regard, it is unlikely that Gay would be a fit.

That said, Gay still has some value to offer the Bulls. While his offensive production has dropped significantly in recent years, he remains a reliable option on defense and can still be an experienced presence in the locker room. He also brings some versatility, as he can easily play at both forward spots.