Bulls Rumors: Playing Fact or Fiction with Latest Buzz Ahead of NBA Free Agency
Might the 2024 NBA offseason bring about the forward-focused reset so many have been waiting on the Chicago Bulls to undertake?
It's too early to tell for certain, but the recent Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade could potentially grease the gears for that kind of overhaul.
The rumor mill might offer some more insight, too, provided there are things being talked about that actually have some legs to them. To determine that, we'll break down the latest buzz around the Bulls and separate fact from fiction.
Multiple Suitors for Patrick Williams?
The rumor: The Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets are "already being mentioned by league personnel as possible landing spots" for restricted free agent Patrick Williams, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.
The verdict: Fact.
While Williams hasn't lived up to the hype that followed his selection as the No. 4 pick of the 2020 draft, he has established himself as a rock-solid three-and-D wing with hints of having even more to his game. Injuries have greatly impacted two of his four seasons, so that will be a concern for anyone, but there's still plenty to like about the 22-year-old's future.
The Raptors and Hornets are in no hurry to compete at a high level, so they be patient with Williams. So, too, could the Thunder, as their roster is already loaded to the point that they wouldn't need him to take on more than a supporting role.
He probably has more interested teams than just these three, but will any of them come calling with the kind of offer sheet that would give Chicago's front office real pause? That's impossible to say at the moment, but it would be fascinating to see what happens if that scenario plays out.
Giddey's Acquisition Shows Lack of Trust in Lonzo Ball?
The rumor: NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson observed the trade for Giddey shows the Bulls "aren't fully sold on a Lonzo Ball comeback."
The verdict: Big facts.
If the Bulls had confidence in Ball, a 6'6" playmaker, then there wouldn't be a need for Giddey, a 6'8" playmaker. Ball at least offers more off-ball utility than Giddey, but both are floor generals who are at their best generating shots for their teammates.
But how could Chicago trust Ball when knee trouble has kept him stuck to the sideline since Jan. 2022? There has been some optimism about his chances to return lately, but the Giddey trade shows the Bulls are, at the very least, smartly hedging their bets in case Ball's comeback never happens.
Could DeMar DeRozan Head for the Exits?
The rumor: There is less "momentum" for DeMar DeRozan to sign during the exclusive negotiation period ahead of free agency than there was with Nikola Vučević last year, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
The verdict: Fact, but not cemented yet.
While DeRozan and the Bulls have publicly shared mutual interest in extending their partnership, that always felt subject to change. He is 34 years old (35 in August), and they are nowhere near the championship chase. It isn't hard to present the logical case that both would be better off apart.
Still, as Johnson noted, "all it takes is one phone call and set of negotiations" to potentially get these contract talks going. If DeRozan prefers staying put for whatever reason—not interested in ring chasing, not in love with his external options, huge fan of deep dish—and the Bulls want to keep him around, a new contract could still come together.