The Bulls missed the playoffs again. They went 39-43 this season and finished 10th in the East, losing in the play-in to the Miami Heat. The team has talents, with Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Josh Giddey already on its books, but they need more firepower to compete next year. Here are four free agents that could help the Bulls reach the playoffs in 2026.
1. James Harden (PG/SG, LA Clippers)
Hear us out now. He’s late in his career, but James Harden can still score and set up teammates at a high level. This past season, The Beard put up 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. He also shot 41% overall and 35.2% from three.
The Bulls struggled in half-court offense this year. Having Harden would fix that right away. His playoff experience would help a team that hasn’t won a playoff series since 2015. Harden has made 10 All-Star teams, won an MVP award, and scored over 25,000 points in his career.
In Magic Johnson’s words, “Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.”
Harden’s passing fits this mindset perfectly.
2. Julius Randle (PF, Minnesota Timberwolves)
Julius Randle finished strong with the Timberwolves this season. He averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while shooting 48.5% and hitting 34.4% of his threes.
The Bulls need toughness, scoring, and rebounding. Randle brings all three to the table. He and Vucevic would make a strong frontcourt duo. Randle can handle the ball too, which would take pressure off LaVine and Giddey.
Randle has made two All-Star teams and won Most Improved Player in 2021.
3. Cameron Payne (PG, New York Knicks)
Cameron Payne would shore up the Bulls’ bench. He averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 assists in just 16 minutes per game this year. He also shot 36.3% from three. Back in 2021, Payne helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals as a key bench player.
Payne brings quickness and energy on defense. He can run the offense when starters rest. His playoff experience with Phoenix and New York makes him reliable in big moments.
Bulls legend Scottie Pippen once said, “Sometimes a player’s greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.”
Payne knows his role and thrives in it.
4. Gui Santos (PF, Golden State Warriors)
Gui Santos could add youth and shooting to the Bulls’ forward group. The Brazilian Power Forward scored 4.1 points with 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in limited minutes. He shot 45.8% overall and 33% from three.
Santos can stretch the floor and guard different positions. He’s not a star, but his upside could pay off as the Bulls try to get younger and more athletic. Santos played well in the G-League and has shown flashes with the Golden State Warriors so far.
Why These Moves Matter
The Bulls’ season exposed clear problems: not enough depth, spotty shooting, and weak playmaking.
The team’s executive vice president of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas knows these issues. He had this to say after their play-in loss to the Miami Heat: “I’m thinking about winning. That’s why I’m here. I’m not here to stay in the middle. The formula that came up three years ago, I thought it was working until a couple injuries. And we’re gonna have to find these answers in this offseason. Obviously, the results are not where we want it. I totally get it. And it’s on me to figure it out.”
If Harden and Randle come in, they’d add star power and more scoring options. Meanwhile, Payne and Santos would strengthen the bench with their reliable energy.
Betting on the Bulls in Europe
The Bulls have fans scattered over the globe due to their rich history. Many of these fans are in Europe and a significant number of them also want to bet on the team’s matches. This could be a nice way to make some extra funds, especially if the team gets in some signings over the line and performs better next season.
If you want to bet on the Bulls next year as an European bettor, you should go through review sites to find online bookmakers licensed in the European Union. According to betting expert Kate Richardson, using these bookmakers ensure you are playing legally. In addition, they offer fair odds and a safe way to bet on NBA futures.
Notably, sportsbooks likely won’t give the Bulls great odds to make the playoffs right now. But landing Harden or Randle would flip the script.
The odds would tighten up fast if Chicago makes a splash in free agency. That’s just how the betting markets react when teams add stars. Bringing in an All-Star usually increases a team’s chances of winning. Think LeBron James to the Miami Heat in 2010. Teams that land a big name tend to jump up in the standings and look way better come playoff time.
The Bottom Line
The Bulls have good pieces but need to make big moves in free agency. By getting James Harden, Julius Randle, Cameron Payne, and Gui Santos, they can fix their biggest problems: scoring, playmaking, depth, and youth.
With smart moves, Chicago can jump from a predictable play-in team to playoff contender.
As Tim Duncan once said, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.”
It’s been a disappointing few years recently, but the Bulls can still reach their best days.
The article was provided by Kate Richardson
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