Chicago Bulls Roster
- Eastern Central
- Stadium
- United Center
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine has yet to agree on a contract extension with his current employer. However, with the 26-year-old entering the final year of his most recent deal, the Celtics are a possible favorite to acquire his services in a trade, especially if the Bulls are in danger of not getting anything back for him if he decides to walk. Still, it seems as if Chicago will do everything it takes to keep LaVine on the roster, mainly after bringing in Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso during the offseason. Nonetheless, regardless of where the former UCLA Bruin is playing, he is anticipated to be a prime fantasy producer. His health has been an issue, which is the only thing that has limited his fantasy ceiling over the years.
The Bulls landed forward Derrick Jones Jr. from the Trail Blazers on Friday. The deal includes a sign-and-trade agreement involving restricted free agent Lauri Markkanen, who inked a four-year, $67 million contract and will head to Cleveland, in addition to Larry Nance Jr. taking his talents to Rip City. This will be Jones' fourth team since he entered the league in 2016. The 24-year-old averaged just 6.8 points and 3.5 rebounds last season, although those numbers could increase a bit if he gets a more prominent role in the lineup moving ahead. Still, Jones shouldn't be viewed as an everyday fantasy option, but he could likely be a popular streaming option at times during the 2021-22 campaign if someone from the starting unit goes down with an injury.
The Chicago Bulls have agreed to a one-year deal with center Tony Bradley. It will be on a minimum deal as Bradley will be asked to slide into a backup role behind Nikola Vucevic. Last season, Bradley averaged 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds in 22 games with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He likely won't have a big role in Chicago, assuming everyone stays healthy. He can be ignored on draft day, but is someone worth monitoring if a big man goes down in Chicago.
The Pelicans and Bulls agreed to a sign-and-trade deal on Monday that will send Lonzo Ball to the Windy City. In return, New Orleans will receive Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, and a second-round draft pick. Ball had to sign a four-year, $85 million contract to make the deal happen, and he will likely see plenty of minutes as a starter during the 2021-22 campaign. The former Bruin averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals throughout 55 games last season. His health is an issue at times, and so are his below-average shooting percentages, although they have improved. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old is an all-around producer for fantasy managers, and his statistical output may increase in Chicago because of his enhanced role.
Free-agent guard Lonzo Ball received a $14.3 million qualifying offer from the Pelicans. This would make him a restricted free agent, allowing New Orleans to potentially match offers from other teams. After being drafted with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft by Los Angeles, the Lakers moved on from the 23-year-old after only two seasons. However, Ball picked things up while with the Pelicans, and he finished the 2020-21 campaign by averaging 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 boards, and 1.5 steals. The former Bruin can contribute in many areas, although fantasy managers in category leagues should be concerned with Ball's shoddy shooting percentages and inability to remain healthy over the years.