Mavericks’ Offseason Targets: Chicago Bulls

The Dallas Mavericks could potentially have as few as three players (Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons, Raymond Felton (Opted In) and Devin Harris are the only guaranteed deals on roster) under contract when the offseason gets rolling.

If we’ve learned one thing from previous seasons it’s that Mark Cuban and the front office will do whatever they can to explore every option on the market.

Whether it be via free agency or trades, the Mavericks will have plenty of work to do to fill and improve the roster.

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We’ll be exploring every NBA team’s roster to see which players the Mavs could potentially target this offseason.

Last Time: Charlotte Hornets

This Time: A team that may need more than just a coaching change.

The Chicago Bulls

Feb 21, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard

Jimmy Butler

(21), center

Joakim Noah

(13), and guard

Derrick Rose

(1) during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at the United Center. The Bulls won 112-107. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Free Agents

With Fred Holberg now at the helm and possibly roster moves to change a core that has faltered in the postseason year after year (yes, injuries have played a big part of it), there is one move the Bulls are expected to make and that’s keeping Jimmy Butler.

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Butler isn’t just the Bulls’ top free agent, but is also one of the NBA’s top name in this free agent class. The problem for the Mavericks and any other team that has interest in the NBA’s Most Improved Player is that Butler is a restricted free agent, and the Bulls are expected to match any offer for the versatile wing.

After the Mavericks nabbed Parsons away from the Houston Rockets, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Dallas try to pull the same move with Butler and the Bulls and try to slot him alongside Parsons in the starting lineup.

Outside of Butler, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Aaron Brooks are two other free agent options form the Bulls. With plenty of point guards on the roster, Brooks doesn’t make much sense for Dallas. Dunleavy is a different story. A good shooter, passer, and solid defender, he could be a useful piece on the Mavs’ bench.

Trade Targets

It may be time to for the Bulls to split core group of Derrick Rose, Butler, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson. With Butler expected to land the max and young pieces Nikola Mitotic and Doug McDermott, the team could part with key pieces to clear cap room, minutes, and even change the dynamic of the team.

Rose still has two seasons left on his deal that owes him $20+mil a year. His value is probably at its highest now, which isn’t saying much after back-t0-back injury riddled seasons. Rose makes sense as a Mark Cuban risk. The Mavs’ medical staff, Rick Carlisle, and the need of point guard are a few reasons to consider Rose in Dallas.

Gibson, Noah, and Pau Gasol could all be had in trades. It’s apparent that Noah is better suited at center, so Gasol’s value on the market could be tested. And with a plethora of forwards on the roster, Gibson and his two remaining seasons could be sent out as well.

Next: 5 Things to Know About Robin Lopez

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