Recapping a quiet first day of free agency
Chicago did not make any more moves after signing Cristiano Felicio on July 1st
The opening day of free agency saw the Bulls immediately strike a four-year, $32 million deal with Brazilian big man Cristiano Felicio. After that — silence. There have not been any updates regarding Nikola Mirotic’s contract talks, although it remains a consensus belief that Chicago will do whatever they can to bring Niko back. After the first 12 hours of free agency, I wrote about how re-signing Mirotic might not be a good idea. Bulls management could be in for a surprise if other teams throw large offer sheets at their coveted stretch-four.
Yesterday it seemed possible that Mirotic could command anywhere from $12–18 million annually in free agency. As the market continues to yearn for shooters, it looks like Mirotic is likely to be valued at $15 million per year or more. Sometimes perception is reality in this league. Despite shooting 34 percent on 3-pointers last season, Niko has created and somehow maintained the illusion that he is a good shooter. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if the Bulls signed Mirotic within the next 24 hours. On the other hand, he could take his time digesting offers. It’s an interesting situation nonetheless.
Some relatively boring and currently meaningless rumors floated around throughout the afternoon. There was a report that the Chicago Bulls were interested in forward Amir Johnson. Johnson signed with Philadelphia an hour or two later. Justin Holiday, who played 27 games with the Bulls in 2016, was said to be drawing interest from Chicago. No traction has been made regarding this rumor just yet. There was also this unconfirmed report that the Bulls were talking to Dion Waiters. However, nothing of substance.
There was little action around the league that would affect the Bulls in any way. The East continues to look extremely weak, which will complicate Chicago’s road to winning the 2018 draft lottery. The Warriors rounded out their championship core by retaining Andre Iguodala. The Sixers grabbed a much needed shooter in J.J. Redick. Within the division, Cleveland acquired Jose Calderon while LeBron has apparently decided not to recruit other stars this summer unlike years past. The Cavs still don’t have a GM. Lastly, former Bull Michael Carter-Williams somehow got himself another NBA contract. Though only for one season, MCW will make $2.7 million to play basketball for the Hornets.
One small yet important story worth noting developed in Arizona this afternoon. The Suns were rumored to be in heavy pursuit of free agent power forward Paul Millsap. Phoenix wisely withdrew themselves from the Millsap bidding war. However, the Suns backed out for a reason — a good one. Phoenix openly stated that it “intends to use their cap space to help absorb salary dump contracts seeking young assets in return.” That’s right. They are doing what the Bulls should be doing, and they aren’t keeping it a secret. I wonder what’s preventing Chicago from making the same exact declaration.
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