Injuries to Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson likely have the Chicago Bulls looking at free agents. Possible options could include JaVale McGee, Nate Robinson, Ray Allen and Will Bynum.
The injuries keep piling up for Chicago. Rose (knee) is out for four to six weeks, Butler (elbow) is out for three to six weeks and Gibson (ankle) is expected to be out for one week. With the Bulls one game out from the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, and with the playoffs around the corner, the team's front office is likely looking at free agents to bolster their depleted roster.
The Chicago Sun-Times suggested Chicago could soon look at McGee, and they also provided an update on Robinson.
"Bulls kicking the tires on JaVale McGee? We can only pray for that," the Sun-Times tweeted Tuesday. "As far as Nate, all quiet on that front as of last night."
McGee, who agreed to a buyout with Philadelphia right before the March 1 deadline, would add depth — an agile 7-foot body with a lengthy wingspan to disrupt shots — in the paint but little else. Assuming Gibson stays healthy into the playoffs, coach Tom Thibodeau, who like most coaches usually shrinks his rotation in the postseason, likely wouldn't have a lot of extra playoff-minutes to offer McGee.
Using their 15th roster spot for their backcourt — be it a 1- or a 2-guard — makes more sense for Chicago, especially given the uncertainty of Rose. Robinson seemingly would be the frontrunner because of his familiarity with Thibodeau and the core players, but nothing appears imminent. A report from RealGM indicated although Robinson has interest in signing with Chicago, the discussions between the two sides are at a standstill.
Another option is Allen, whom Chicago was reportedly interested in earlier this season. It's remains uncertain, however, if Allen even plans on returning for his 19th season.
A third, albeit less likely, option for the backcourt is Bynum. The veteran, who gave the Detroit Pistons a spark off the bench last season, became available Tuesday after his overseas team — the Guangdong Southern Tigers — lost in the Chinese Basketball Association's semifinals.
According to a report last week from ESPN, however, Bulls vice president John Paxson said he didn't plan to sign a guard "at this time."
