Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls began preparation for the 2021-22 season at last season’s trade deadline. They pulled off a surprising deadline deal, landing Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic. That gave Chicago two All-Stars to upgrade their roster around in Vucevic and Zach LaVine and they did exactly that this offseason.
Lonzo Ball was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in a sign-and-trade deal to shore up the point guard position. Alex Caruso was plucked from the Los Angeles Lakers to upgrade the second unit. DeMar DeRozan was also acquired in a sign-and-trade from the San Antonio Spurs.
The sign-and-trade deals left the Bulls with some depth issues and questions about fit, specifically when it comes to DeRozan. But, there is no denying that the roster is better. The depth issue could be alleviated if the team can work out a sign-and-trade for restricted free agent Lauri Markkanen as well.
The Bulls have not made the postseason in four consecutive years, but they did enough to take that next step and end that playoff drought.
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While the Bulls may not have a championship ceiling currently, they improved the current and long-term outlook of the franchise with the Ball signing. The Bulls will be in the same mix as the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics vying for a spot in the top-six to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
