DeMar DeRozan and Bismack Biyombo (Photo : Toronto Star via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls could pull off a blockbuster signing of DeMar DeRozan and Bismack Biyombo in free agency, according to the latest rumors.
DeRozan and Biyombo, who both opted out of their contracts with the Toronto Raptors to explore free agency, could be two to of the names the Bulls may pursue this summer, according to Fox Sports' Dieter Kurtenbach.
The Bulls already have a star in Jimmy Butler they could build around, but if Chicago decides to trade their two-time All-Star, which has been the rumors in the past few months, Kurtenbach believes DeRozan would be a nice replacement.
"It seems ridiculous that the Bulls would move Jimmy Butler, but if they do, DeRozan could be his immediate replacement," Kurtenbach noted.
While the Bulls have the salary cap space to offer DeRozan a max deal, many expects the Raptors star to either remain in the North or head to his hometown to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Lakers having a massive cap space to sign marquee players, there is no doubt Tinsel town would be one of DeRozan's preferred destination come July.
Meanwhile, there is also the possibility of Chicago targeting another Raptors key player in Biyombo, who was a key player in Toronto's playoff run. Kurtenbach claimed that the Bulls would probably eye Dwight Howard in free agency, but the team are "more likely to land Biyombo, should the price be right."
It is evident the Bulls need a quality frontcourt player to replace Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah, who many expect to leave Chicago this summer. Biyombo should fill in nicely for the Bulls and give the needed athleticism at the center position, but would still likely become a bench piece, with Chicago acquiring Robin Lopez from the New York Knicks in a blockbuster trade involving star PG Derrick Rose.
Moreover, the Bulls are expected to face a tough competition in signing the Congolese, with many teams looking to upgrade at the five spot. But according to Kurtenbach, the Houston Rockets could be the likely destination for Biyombo, with Howard expected to join another team.
Considering the trade that recently unfolded, the Bulls seem a lock to keep Butler for now, and look for a point guard prospect in the 2016 NBA draft as replacement for Rose. DeRozan and Biyombo would be an intriguing acquisition for the Bulls, but a scenario highly unlikely to happen.
