Bulls given 3 targets for dream offseason

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, and Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford were Bleacher Report analyst Greg Swartz’s three dream acquisitions for the Bulls this offseason.

Swartz argued, “The Chicago Bulls have core pieces in place at both guard spots and at least one forward position in Josh Giddey, Coby White and Matas Buzelis, yet will see 34-year-old Nikola Vučević enter the final year of his contract.”

He said Chicago needs to look into a trade for their next franchise center, particularly one that can help the 19th-ranked defense by defensive rating last year. That’s where Allen, a “terrific defender” who is also very likely to leave Cleveland by way of trade, comes in.

“Williams, 23, averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in his third season,” Swartz said, “and Gafford should be available following the Mavs’ trade for Anthony Davis.” Gafford and Allen are the superior defenders here, but Williams is a gifted offensive player.

He’s also the most likely player to be traded and perhaps the easiest to acquire. The Hornets already traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers before LA backed out over perceived injury concerns.

Williams played the day of the trade and did not miss time with injury other than rest after the deal was rescinded, but it is something Chicago would have to be willing to risk. The Hornets are expected to shop him again, and he’d be an excellent offensive piece alongside what the Bulls are currently working with.