Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin walk to center court during a 109-97 Thunder win at Staples Center. (Photo : Getty Images/Harry How)
The Chicago Bulls will have a significantly huge spending power next summer, as they are projected to have a cap space worth $54.9 million - which is enough for the ballclub to make a run at both Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin.
Basketball Insiders cap expert Eric Pincus explained on his latest cap analysis report how the Bulls would create a cap space large enough for them to have a legit shot at landing next summer's top two available free-agents.
"Dwyane Wade can opt out of his contract after the season. Neither Rajon Rondo nor Isaiah Canaan have a fully-guaranteed salary in 2016-17. Some of that cap space may go to Nikola Mirotic, who would have an $8.7 million cap hold as a restricted free agent," Pincus stated.
After trading Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks, the Bulls came through with a couple of shrewd moves aimed to put them in the thick of the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference and at the same time keep their financial flexibility in check.
They signed 2015-16 season assists leader Rajon Rondo to a two-year, $28 million contract. The second year of the deal is partially guaranteed, allowing the Bulls to save money if they plan to cut ties with Rondo a year after.
Then, there's Dwayne Wade's two-year, $47 million deal. Labeled as D Wade's homecoming, the Bulls pounced on an aging superstar without committing to a long term deal. Should Wade opt out after year 1, Chicago puts itself in position to land two max level free-agents.
Of course, they could use $15 million of that said cap space to retain the service of restricted free-agent Nikola Mirotic, though there's also the enticing option to go all in for both elite free-agents with Westbrook and Griffin joining forces with Jimmy Butler to create a brand new Super Team in Windy City.
The Bulls have been mentioned as potential landing spots for both Griffin and Westbrook, should they get traded before the season starts. However, most NBA experts believe the Bulls would prefer making a run at these superstars next summer than losing their highly-coveted youngsters (Bobby Portis, Doug McDermott, Denzel Valentine and Jeriah Grant) for possibly one-year rental players.
Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds per contest with the OKC Thunder to earn All-Star and All-NBA first team selection. Griffin, on the other hand, had a rough 2015-16 NBA season campaign as he was sidelined with injuries and suspensions. He nevertheless averaged 21.4 points and 8.4 boards for the L.A Clippers.
