The Chicago Bulls are expected to make a roster shakeup this summer after failing to reach the 2016 NBA Playoffs. And according to recent NBA free agents rumors, the Bulls could chase Al Horford or Dwight Howard.
The Bulls will likely lose the frontline duo of Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah this summer. This will force them to look at their options in free agency, including Horford and Howard, Hoops Rumors reported.
Gasol, who spent the past two seasons in Chicago, has made it no secret that he will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Bulls to become a free agent in July. The 35-year-old center is expected to receive offers from title contenders after averaging 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds on top of 2.0 blocks per game this season.
The Spaniard is reportedly open to returning to the Bulls, but it will all depend on the moves they will make this summer. According to the report, Gasol wants to play for a title contender, with recent NBA free agents rumors suggesting that he could end up with the San Antonio Spurs, News 4 San Antonio reported.
On the other hand, Noah is expected to consider leaving the Bulls after a tumultuous year under first-year head coach Fred Hoiberg. Noah appeared in 29 games, where he only started twice and averaged just 21.9 minutes per game, which is his lowest playing time since his rookie year in 2007.
Noah, who averaged career-low 4.3 points and 8.8 rebounds last season, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Bulls. Former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, who is now the Minnesota Timberwolves head coach and president of basketball operations, is expected to chase Noah this summer.
If both Gasol and Noah leaves, the Bulls will have to add a top free agent to improve their frontline. According to the report, both Horford and Howard will be a good fit, depending on what Hoiberg wants his center to do.
If the Bulls opt for a center who has the same skillset as Gasol, Horford could be their top target. But if they want a traditional center, they could eventually focus on signing Howard. Horford and Howard are expected to leave the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets, respectively, this summer.
Watch the highlights of Gasol's performance in one of their games last season.