Examining Bulls' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2024 NBA Free Agency After Heat Loss | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
James Holden As LaVine continues recovering, the Bulls may consider moving him. K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reported in March that Chicago "will look to trade LaVine again this offseason."
Chicago's decision regarding LaVine could impact more pressing contract decisions, like what to do with DeRozan.
The Bulls can exercise Bird rights to retain DeRozan, and it feels extremely unlikely that they'll let him get away. The 34-year-old stated his interest in returning back in February and reiterated it just before the end of the season.
"This is where I want to be," DeRozan said, per Johnson.
DeRozan has been one of Chicago's most consistent contributors since arriving in 2021, and if he wants to be back, the Bulls are likely to make it happen.
Chicago must also decide what to do with Ball, who hasn't played since 2022 following a knee injury that required multiple surgeries. He has a player option worth $21.4 million, and it would be a huge shock to see him decline it.
The Bulls could hope to see Ball back on the court before his contract runs out, but an extension this offseason is unlikely. Alternatively, Chicago may try to trade away his contract.
According to Johnson, there was some pre-deadline buzz about Chicago using Ball's contract as a salary match.
"Given that insurance is currently paying the bulk of his contract, it's conceivable that Ball is used as a salary-matching addition to any potential trade the Bulls make before the Feb. 8 trade deadline," Johnson wrote in January.
Javonte Green is also an unrestricted free agent, as is Andre Drummond, though Chicago has Early Bird rights with Drummond. Patrick Williams will be a restricted free agent.