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Bulls Free Agency Focus: STABILITY

Chicago Bulls Free Agency: How Much Do They Have to Spend?

The Chicago Bulls are stepping into free agency with little room to maneuver and an even smaller margin for error. The plan is not about making a splash, but about keeping the balance they believe they’ve finally struck. At the center of that effort is Ty Jerome, the steady hand who quietly became one of the team’s most trusted players last season.

Jerome hasn’t been part of the Bulls’ offseason workouts while his contract situation lingers, but his absence has been felt. Without him, the offense skews uneven, leaning too heavily on LaMelo Ball and Colin Sexton to shoulder the load as primary initiators. Inside the building, there’s little debate about his importance. “Ty gives us an organizational calm on the offensive end,” GM Jonathan said. “He knows where to be, how to keep the ball moving, and how to get guys organized. That’s something we don’t want to lose.”

Whether they actually keep him is another question. League chatter suggests the Bulls are quietly preparing contingencies in case another team swoops in with a stronger offer. It wouldn’t be the first time Chicago has had to pivot; in fact, the front office has built its identity on finding overlooked contributors and turning them into reliable rotation pieces. Jerome himself is a product of that philosophy, proof that the Bulls can find value in unlikely places.

While Jerome’s future hovers, the Bulls also have decisions to make with their younger pieces. Mohamed Diawara, the 20 year-old rookie forward, left a strong impression during summer league and hasn’t slowed since. Team officials talk about his length, his energy, and his eagerness to do the small things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. Raw as he is, the flashes are there, and the expectation is that he’ll be offered a full roster spot behind Aaron Gordon and Matas Buzelis. “You can see that he wants to be great,” Jonathan said. “If he earns that full contract, it’s because he’s shown he can help us win possessions.”

If Diawara does secure a place, the Bulls would have just one roster opening left, and the priority becomes clear: more depth at center. Nic Claxton and Goga Bitadze form a solid one-two, but insiders say the front office is eyeing a pair of additional big men, each with a different profile. The names aren’t public, but there’s optimism one will land in Chicago before training camp begins.

The two-way picture is also taking shape. Trey Jemison is set to return for a third season, a move the organization is pleased with. His role has been modest — 41 appearances over two years, averaging just over two points and two rebounds in nine minutes per game — but his consistency and effort have made him a valued presence. “Every day he shows up, competes, and makes our guys better,” Jonathan said. “We’re excited to keep building with him.”

The other two slots are less certain. James Nnaji, the 2023 draft pick, remains an option, though signs point to more seasoning in the G League or overseas. Lester Quinones, claimed off waivers last year but never activated, has reappeared in workouts and is under real consideration. So too is Damion Baugh, who made a brief but meaningful impression in his eight-game stint last season, including a week 12 stretch where he averaged 4.5 points in 14 minutes across four contests. Both will have opportunities in camp to earn their way in, and the final slot is likely to go to a younger prospect as the team looks to balance experience with development.

For the Bulls, this offseason isn’t about chasing headlines or swinging for the fences. It’s about preserving the balance they’ve built, keeping a trusted guard in the fold, and shoring up depth where it’s needed most. The decisions may be modest, but they’re deliberate — and for a front office that values steadiness, that may be the surest way forward.

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		Comments (1)
jmac 09/29 09:12 pm	Great read!