Dennis Schroder, Lonzo Ball, Reggie Jackson, Dinwiddie, Cameron Payne, Lowry, take your pick

[DuckIII]

There is no wait until next year plan. There is no way in hell the Bulls can sit on their money unless things just go horribly wrong and no one is interested in us at all.

Here’s what the wait until next year plan looks like:

1. We wait.

2. If we are fortunate we will marginally improve based on hoped for internal development. And that’s only if we have no significant injuries.

3. At best we barely make the playoffs and get beat early by better teams.

4. Lavine leaves.

5. We rebuild not from the floor, but from the basement with Coby White, PW, Troy Brown and one year of Vuc, who we will actually no doubt trade to at least get some severely diminished return compared to what we sent out, and have only 2 picks the next three years and unable to trade the two we do have until the final year.

It is so much worse than “basketball hell.” It would be one of the worst rebuilding situations I would have ever seen in 34 years of following the NBA.

The ONLY exception to this is if Lavine blesses this ahead of time and swears a blood oath to the team that he will resign for the max even if we go in a holding pattern for a year. And even if he does, nothing would stop him from changing his mind later.

The most likely outcome in the “wait until next year” approach is a combination of the worst of everything for a team trying to rebuild. Not the only outcome. But by far the most likely.

[sco]

There is no wait until next year plan. There is no way in hell the Bulls can sit on their money unless things just go horribly wrong and no one is interested in us at all.

Here’s what the wait until next year plan looks like:

1. We wait.

2. If we are fortunate we will marginally improve based on hoped for internal development. And that’s only if we have no significant injuries.

3. At best we barely make the playoffs and get beat early by better teams.

4. Lavine leaves.

5. We rebuild not from the floor, but from the basement with Coby White, PW, Troy Brown and one year of Vuc, who we will actually no doubt trade to at least get some severely diminished return compared to what we sent out, and have only 2 picks the next three years and unable to trade the two we do have until the final year.

It is so much worse than “basketball hell.” It would be one of the worst rebuilding situations I would have ever seen in 34 years of following the NBA.

The ONLY exception to this is if Lavine blesses this ahead of time and swears a blood oath to the team that he will resign for the max even if we go in a holding pattern for a year. And even if he does, nothing would stop him from changing his mind later.

The most likely outcome in the “wait until next year” approach is a combination of the worst of everything for a team trying to rebuild. Not the only outcome. But by far the most likely.

Not sure I see such a dire outcome, but regardless, you should find solace that AK has not shown himself to be a "wait til next year" kinda guy.

[CobyWhite0]

Can you do a 1 year MLE? I thought it had to be 3 for some reason.

You can definitely do 2 years with the second year being a team or player option.

RFA contracts have to be at least a 2+1, maybe that's what you're thinking of.

Correct, but FAQ says that "The offer sheet must be for at least two seasons (not including option years)" - it doesn't say anything about the 2nd year having to be guaranteed. I wonder if that's a loophole to an offer sheet?

[DuckIII]

There is no wait until next year plan. There is no way in hell the Bulls can sit on their money unless things just go horribly wrong and no one is interested in us at all.

Here’s what the wait until next year plan looks like:

1. We wait.

2. If we are fortunate we will marginally improve based on hoped for internal development. And that’s only if we have no significant injuries.

3. At best we barely make the playoffs and get beat early by better teams.

4. Lavine leaves.

5. We rebuild not from the floor, but from the basement with Coby White, PW, Troy Brown and one year of Vuc, who we will actually no doubt trade to at least get some severely diminished return compared to what we sent out, and have only 2 picks the next three years and unable to trade the two we do have until the final year.

It is so much worse than “basketball hell.” It would be one of the worst rebuilding situations I would have ever seen in 34 years of following the NBA.

The ONLY exception to this is if Lavine blesses this ahead of time and swears a blood oath to the team that he will resign for the max even if we go in a holding pattern for a year. And even if he does, nothing would stop him from changing his mind later.

The most likely outcome in the “wait until next year” approach is a combination of the worst of everything for a team trying to rebuild. Not the only outcome. But by far the most likely.

Not sure I see such a dire outcome, but regardless, you should find solace that AK has not shown himself to be a "wait til next year" kinda guy.

I fully expect him to spend every penny he has this summer. He knows the situation he’s created for himself. I just feel the board is less aware of the realities of the situation.

The “wait” approach most probably costs us Zach Lavine and destroys the franchise for 5-6 years. Minimum.

Look at that free agency list for next summer. Pretty impressive names. But guess what? Almost none of them are leaving. Indeed the most likely to leave is Lavine himself. He may legitimately be the #1 free agent in the entire NBA next summer. This board badly under-estimates just how likely it is he’ll leave after this year unless we show meaningful success.

[bad knees]

There is no wait until next year plan. There is no way in hell the Bulls can sit on their money unless things just go horribly wrong and no one is interested in us at all.

Here’s what the wait until next year plan looks like:

1. We wait.

2. If we are fortunate we will marginally improve based on hoped for internal development. And that’s only if we have no significant injuries.

3. At best we barely make the playoffs and get beat early by better teams.

4. Lavine leaves.

5. We rebuild not from the floor, but from the basement with Coby White, PW, Troy Brown and one year of Vuc, who we will actually no doubt trade to at least get some severely diminished return compared to what we sent out, and have only 2 picks the next three years and unable to trade the two we do have until the final year.

It is so much worse than “basketball hell.” It would be one of the worst rebuilding situations I would have ever seen in 34 years of following the NBA.

The ONLY exception to this is if Lavine blesses this ahead of time and swears a blood oath to the team that he will resign for the max even if we go in a holding pattern for a year. And even if he does, nothing would stop him from changing his mind later.

The most likely outcome in the “wait until next year” approach is a combination of the worst of everything for a team trying to rebuild. Not the only outcome. But by far the most likely.

Not sure I see such a dire outcome, but regardless, you should find solace that AK has not shown himself to be a "wait til next year" kinda guy.

I fully expect him to spend every penny he has this summer. He knows the situation he’s created for himself. I just feel the board is less aware of the realities of the situation.

The “wait” approach most probably costs us Zach Lavine and destroys the franchise for 5-6 years. Minimum.

Look at that free agency list for next summer. Pretty impressive names. But guess what? Almost none of them are leaving. Indeed the most likely to leave is Lavine himself. He may legitimately be the #1 free agent in the entire NBA next summer. This board badly under-estimates just how likely it is he’ll leave after this year unless we show meaningful success.

Huh. Why are you trying to convince us with over-the-top emotion? What if LaVine completely buys into the idea of holding our cap space for a max FA next summer? What if he already has someone in mind who would come? Getting a max FA would be a heck of lot better than using our cap space on a glorified role player like Lonzo Ball. It is by no means a given that, if we save our powder for next summer, we will definitely lose Lavine.

[DuckIII]

Not sure I see such a dire outcome, but regardless, you should find solace that AK has not shown himself to be a "wait til next year" kinda guy.

I fully expect him to spend every penny he has this summer. He knows the situation he’s created for himself. I just feel the board is less aware of the realities of the situation.

The “wait” approach most probably costs us Zach Lavine and destroys the franchise for 5-6 years. Minimum.

Look at that free agency list for next summer. Pretty impressive names. But guess what? Almost none of them are leaving. Indeed the most likely to leave is Lavine himself. He may legitimately be the #1 free agent in the entire NBA next summer. This board badly under-estimates just how likely it is he’ll leave after this year unless we show meaningful success.

Huh. Why are you trying to convince us with over-the-top emotion? What if LaVine completely buys into the idea of holding our cap space for a max FA next summer? What if he already has someone in mind who would come? Getting a max FA would be a heck of lot better than using our cap space on a glorified role player like Lonzo Ball. It is by no means a given that, if we save our powder for next summer, we will definitely lose Lavine.

I didn’t say anything you’re saying I said. And I absolutely agree that convincing Lavine to stay and then signing Durant would be an incredible outcome.

[bad knees]

I fully expect him to spend every penny he has this summer. He knows the situation he’s created for himself. I just feel the board is less aware of the realities of the situation.

The “wait” approach most probably costs us Zach Lavine and destroys the franchise for 5-6 years. Minimum.

Look at that free agency list for next summer. Pretty impressive names. But guess what? Almost none of them are leaving. Indeed the most likely to leave is Lavine himself. He may legitimately be the #1 free agent in the entire NBA next summer. This board badly under-estimates just how likely it is he’ll leave after this year unless we show meaningful success.

Huh. Why are you trying to convince us with over-the-top emotion? What if LaVine completely buys into the idea of holding our cap space for a max FA next summer? What if he already has someone in mind who would come? Getting a max FA would be a heck of lot better than using our cap space on a glorified role player like Lonzo Ball. It is by no means a given that, if we save our powder for next summer, we will definitely lose Lavine.

I didn’t say anything you’re saying I said. And I absolutely agree that convincing Lavine to stay and then signing Durant would be an incredible outcome.

Great. Glad we agree.

[sco]

Saw this:

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/07/point-guard-rumors-paul-conley-lowry-dinwiddie-more.html

Here are a few more notes on the point guard free agent market:

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer confirms a Miami Herald report that stated Kyle Lowry is expected to be seeking a three-year, $90MM contract in free agency.
The Knicks will be among Lowry’s suitors and are willing to offer him somewhere between $20-30MM per year for two seasons, according to Pompey, who says that Spencer Dinwiddie and swingman Evan Fournier are among New York’s other potential targets. Dinwiddie is thought to be seeking $25MM annually, while Fournier is after $18MM per year, says Pompey. I’m skeptical that Dinwiddie, especially, will achieve that goal.
Dinwiddie is viewed as a likely Plan B for the Pelicans if they’re unable to land Lowry, according to Fischer. As Windhorst notes, current New Orleans GM Trajan Langdon previously worked in Brooklyn’s front office during Dinwiddie’s time with the Nets.
League executives believe the Pelicans are willing to let Lonzo Ball go if they find another option they like or if Ball receives an aggressive offer sheet, writes Windhorst.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, who had success with Dennis Schröder in Oklahoma City, is thought to be interested in a potential reunion with the Lakers guard, according to Windhorst.
Timberwolves veteran Ricky Rubio is among the point guards whose names have been floated on the trade market so far, per Windhorst.

[sco]

Saw this:

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/07/point-guard-rumors-paul-conley-lowry-dinwiddie-more.html

Here are a few more notes on the point guard free agent market:

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer confirms a Miami Herald report that stated Kyle Lowry is expected to be seeking a three-year, $90MM contract in free agency.
The Knicks will be among Lowry’s suitors and are willing to offer him somewhere between $20-30MM per year for two seasons, according to Pompey, who says that Spencer Dinwiddie and swingman Evan Fournier are among New York’s other potential targets. Dinwiddie is thought to be seeking $25MM annually, while Fournier is after $18MM per year, says Pompey. I’m skeptical that Dinwiddie, especially, will achieve that goal.
Dinwiddie is viewed as a likely Plan B for the Pelicans if they’re unable to land Lowry, according to Fischer. As Windhorst notes, current New Orleans GM Trajan Langdon previously worked in Brooklyn’s front office during Dinwiddie’s time with the Nets.
League executives believe the Pelicans are willing to let Lonzo Ball go if they find another option they like or if Ball receives an aggressive offer sheet, writes Windhorst.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, who had success with Dennis Schröder in Oklahoma City, is thought to be interested in a potential reunion with the Lakers guard, according to Windhorst.
Timberwolves veteran Ricky Rubio is among the point guards whose names have been floated on the trade market so far, per Windhorst.

My order of (semi realistic) outcome preferences are:

1) We are able to trade BOS for Smart (unlikely, but is a massive upgrade and still gives 2022 flexibility)
2) We trade for Rubio (per above)
3) We sign Ball
4) We stay over cap and sign Rose for MLE
5) We stay over cap and sign McConnell for less than MLE
6) We sign Schroder (for a lot less than $20M/yr)

[HomoSapien]

The Knicks and Pelicans seem to believe that Lowry is gettable, so I have to assume we do too. We haven't had a single rumor linked to him, but AK tends to keep things close to the vest. We could get pretty close to offering what he's seeking. I wonder if we make a play.

[Darius Miles Davis]

Saw this:

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/07/point-guard-rumors-paul-conley-lowry-dinwiddie-more.html

Here are a few more notes on the point guard free agent market:

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer confirms a Miami Herald report that stated Kyle Lowry is expected to be seeking a three-year, $90MM contract in free agency.
The Knicks will be among Lowry’s suitors and are willing to offer him somewhere between $20-30MM per year for two seasons, according to Pompey, who says that Spencer Dinwiddie and swingman Evan Fournier are among New York’s other potential targets. Dinwiddie is thought to be seeking $25MM annually, while Fournier is after $18MM per year, says Pompey. I’m skeptical that Dinwiddie, especially, will achieve that goal.
Dinwiddie is viewed as a likely Plan B for the Pelicans if they’re unable to land Lowry, according to Fischer. As Windhorst notes, current New Orleans GM Trajan Langdon previously worked in Brooklyn’s front office during Dinwiddie’s time with the Nets.
League executives believe the Pelicans are willing to let Lonzo Ball go if they find another option they like or if Ball receives an aggressive offer sheet, writes Windhorst.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, who had success with Dennis Schröder in Oklahoma City, is thought to be interested in a potential reunion with the Lakers guard, according to Windhorst.
Timberwolves veteran Ricky Rubio is among the point guards whose names have been floated on the trade market so far, per Windhorst.

Ahh, so Donovan is leading the Schroder brigade. Makes sense, I guess.

I hope we are the ones offering Lonzo that aggressive offer sheet before we potentially pursue Dennis. Whereas I obviously don’t know what the Bulls management is doing right now, it seems the Bulls the most laser-focused on Lonzo than any other team out there with cap room. We need to be presenting him with an aggressive offer sheet on day 1 of free agency. I think it’s got to be at least 4/90.

[HomoSapien]

Some tidbits from KC:

Rose is on the list. But so are several names, including Dennis Schröder, Jalen Brunson and likely others. From what I’ve been able to gather, it sounds like the Bulls are casting a wide net in the run-up to free agency so that they’re not left with nothing when the game of musical chairs stops.

Like all franchises, they’ve worked contacts to get a feel for the financial landscape. They’ve explored what it might take to pry Brunson loose from the Mavericks since he would have to be acquired via trade. They’ve talked internally about the fit of Rose.

As for Ball, most people I talked to expect the Pelicans to use their newfound financial flexibility to make a run at Kyle Lowry. Remember, as a restricted free agent, Ball’s rights are owned by the Pelicans, who can exceed the cap to retain him. But if they strike out on Lowry, retaining an offer sheet for Ball certainly is more financially palatable now.

https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/discussing-bulls-nba-draft-lonzo-ball-and-free-agency-plans

[sco]

Some tidbits from KC:

Rose is on the list. But so are several names, including Dennis Schröder, Jalen Brunson and likely others. From what I’ve been able to gather, it sounds like the Bulls are casting a wide net in the run-up to free agency so that they’re not left with nothing when the game of musical chairs stops.

Like all franchises, they’ve worked contacts to get a feel for the financial landscape. They’ve explored what it might take to pry Brunson loose from the Mavericks since he would have to be acquired via trade. They’ve talked internally about the fit of Rose.

As for Ball, most people I talked to expect the Pelicans to use their newfound financial flexibility to make a run at Kyle Lowry. Remember, as a restricted free agent, Ball’s rights are owned by the Pelicans, who can exceed the cap to retain him. But if they strike out on Lowry, retaining an offer sheet for Ball certainly is more financially palatable now.

https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/discussing-bulls-nba-draft-lonzo-ball-and-free-agency-plans

I find it hard to believe Brunson is gettable for assets we have, but sign me up 100%. He is hands-down the best option, if real.

[jump]

Lauri for Brunson? I have no idea what Brunson is making.

[jump]

I’d be down with Brunson and Fournier and drafting Thor.

[Andi Obst]

Lauri for Brunson? I have no idea what Brunson is making.

He makes basically nothing by NBA standards, under 2 mil next season (he then becomes a free agent, though).

Don’t know why Dallas would be interested in Lauri.

[meekrab]

Lauri for Brunson? I have no idea what Brunson is making.

I personally consider Brunson a MIP candidate this season, he's got game. If we can get him without giving up PWill I'd smash the accept trade button.

[Red8911]

The Knicks and Pelicans seem to believe that Lowry is gettable, so I have to assume we do too. We haven't had a single rumor linked to him, but AK tends to keep things close to the vest. We could get pretty close to offering what he's seeking. I wonder if we make a play.

The Knicks have been on our ass lately. Every single report of interest in players always has both the bulls and Knicks in it.

Looks like the bulls are going to have to compete with them to sign players and they will also compete against each other on the court since both of them are supposed to be good next season. Maybe the rivalry will come back.

[maxhatter]

The Knicks and Pelicans seem to believe that Lowry is gettable, so I have to assume we do too. We haven't had a single rumor linked to him, but AK tends to keep things close to the vest. We could get pretty close to offering what he's seeking. I wonder if we make a play.

The Knicks have been on our ass lately. Every single report of interest in players always has both the bulls and Knicks in it.

Looks like the bulls are going to have to compete with them to sign players and they will also compete against each other on the court since both of them are supposed to be good next season. Maybe the rivalry will come back.

or maybe because both the Knicks and Bulls have cap space maybe they aren't actually linked to the player but rather it is pure speculation by the writer

[sco]

I'm still baffled why folks think the Bulls will need to pay more than a mid-high teen millions for guys like Ball or, especially Schroder? At least as of now, I am not aware of any other team rumored to want either guy with the cap space to offer more than that. I get that they want more, but I would think either guy would sign a $16M deal if that was the best deal on the table.