Bulls “Are Open to Adding a Backup Center,” So Let’s Take a Look at Who Might Be Available

Long-term injuries to Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams, and Derrick Jones Jr. have put the Bulls in a vulnerable place, as they try to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference. So while the “Big 3” may still be intact (*knocks extra hard on all the wood*) the front office must determine whether or not they should add healthier re-enforcements ahead of the trade deadline or ride out what has otherwise been a pretty good thing.

To that end โ€” and by now โ€” you know that the Bulls have been connected to Pistons forward Jerami Grant multiple times this trade season, but frontcourt help doesn’t necessarily have to come with an upgrade at the four. While finding a more physical and defensive-minded forward to play next to Nikola Vucevic is an understandable route, the front office may also have their eyes on the backup center market.

Indeed, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Chicago has come up as an organization with its eye on available centers.

Some other stuff Iโ€™ve heard out there is there are a few teams looking for centers. The Hornets, Raptors, and the Bulls, who are open to adding a backup center.

Oh, okay then.

As you’ll recall, the Bulls handed Tony Bradley a two-year deal worth $3.8 million this offseason to fill the cheap bench big role. While he’s appeared in 33 games so far, Bradley has averaged just 12 minutes of action a night. Part of that is due to the fact that head coach Billy Donovan has opted for a small-ball approach, but perhaps he’s relying on that approach more than he wants to because of the personnel available to him. Yes, Bradley has been solid at times, but solid enough to force his way into more playing time or help improve the team’s rim protection (10th-most point in the paint)? I’m not so sure.

So here are some options the Bulls can explore if this is the route they choose to explore this season.

You Up, Kings?

Richaun Holmes ($10.3mil, 2025 UFA)
Tristan Thompson ($9.7mil, 2022 UFA)

The Sacramento Kings have taken their name out of the Ben Simmons sweepstakes, but they have made it known they remain open for business. Harrison Barnes has been the most popular name on the market, but guys like Marvin Bagley III, Tristan Thompson, and Richaun Holmes reportedly remain on the market, according to Hoop Wire’s Sam Amico.

While technically all three would fill a frontcourt void, Holmes and Thompson are the two names that stand out. Holmes, specifically, is by far the best name in this article. A starting-caliber big man who is on a surprisingly inexpensive four-year, $36 million deal, Holmes is a wildly efficient interior scorer whose 78 percent field goal percentage at the rim this season has ranked in the 91st percentile. On the other end, he would provide a team that averages the 3rd-fewest rebounds a game with an active presence on the glass that has averaged at least 8.0 boards per game over the past three seasons. Not to mention, he would immediately become the team’s best and most physical rim protector.

I know all of that sounds great, which is exactly why it seems very unlikely the Bulls land him in the coming weeks. Holmes will likely see interest from teams who hope to make him their starting center, and those teams will likely be ready to offer a far more intriguing package than the Bulls would be willing to give up (would the Hornets offer someone like Kelly Oubre or P.J. Washington?). So … cue Tristan Thompson.

The 11-year veteran would provide the Bulls a playoff-tested big man who has long been viewed as a reliable rotation player. I also can’t help but think this front office could be attracted to his potential “chip-on-his-shoulder” mentality. Averaging no more than 15 minutes per game for a losing team, Thompson could be eager to, once again, contribute to a winning team. The question is whether or not he is a significant enough upgrade over Bradley at this point in his career, but it might be worth a shot if all the Kings are looking for is a second-rounder, per Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer.

What About You, Mavs and Thunder?

Derrick Favors ($9.7mil, 2023 Player Option)
Mike Muscala ($3.5mil, 2023 Team Option)
Maxi Kleber ($8.7mil, 2023 non-guaranteed)
Dwight Powell ($11mil, 2024 UFA)

Derrick Favors and Mike Muscala have played minimal roles for a youthful Thunder team, but it’s been just enough to show they can bother still provide value to playoff contenders.

Once able to play the power forward position, Favors’ inability to stretch the floor on the offensive end has turned him into a full-time five. A bit undersized at this position, he still crashes the glass hard and serves as a fearless, somewhat versatile defender. Much like Thompson, there is a question about exactly how much better he would be than Bradley on this roster, but he does provide that playoff experience a team like this Bulls might covet.

Any Muscala interest from the Bulls would be less about his defensive capabilities and more about what he does behind the arc. Similar to Vucevic, this is a 6’11” big who has a rare ability to stretch the floor. He is shooting 43.3 percent from behind the arc this season and has shot 39.2 percent from long range over the past three seasons. Again, he may not be the most high-upside defender, but it doesn’t come for a lack of trying. He knows where to be and stays engaged, and while it may be in a limited role, he has a surprising +1.7 defensive plus-minus, per Dunks & Threes.

Speaking of shooting the ball well, the Bulls might as well keep their eye on a Mavericks team potentially interested in dumping salary. Rumors have already swirled that Dallas could be interested in offloading Jalen Bruson or Dorian Finney-Smith, and there is reason to believe they could do the same with Maxi Kleber or Dwight Powell. Kleber is another sharpshooting big man who hit 41.0 percent of his 3’s last season while grabbing 5.2 rebounds. Powell isn’t a long-range threat, but he would give the Bulls a solid pick-and-roll lob threat off the bench. For what it’s worth, both are currently plus-defenders.

Others Friends

Robin Lopez ($5mil, 2022 UFA): Hello, old friend! Robin Lopez is a potential buyout candidate thanks to his 22 games played for a tanking Orlando Magic team. We all know what the big man brings to the table as an in-your-face defender, solid passer, and generally expert role player. I’d be up for a reunion (I’m sure Benny would be happy!).

Nic Claxton ($1.7mil, 2023 RFA): The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly shown an openness to deal 22-year-old Nic Claxton at the deadline with a payday coming up this summer. Claxton would provide the Bulls the kind of rim protection they desire with a 6’11” frame and a block percentage that ranked in the NBA’s 90th percentile last season. They would also be able to keep up the switchable defense they like to play with a smaller lineup on the floor. Who knows what the Nets asking price would be, but they are likely looking for an immediate contributor of some kind.

Thomas Bryant ($8.7mil, UFA): Former Bulls center Daniel Gafford appears to be the big man of the future in Washington, leaving Thomas Bryant on the outside looking in. Bryant has shown he can be a solid two-way center, but he is stuck trying to prove himself yet again after an ACL ended his 2020-21 campaign short. He’s played just seven games so far this season, and he’s also on an expiring deal.

Khem Birch ($6.3mil, 2024 UFA): No one exactly knows which direction the Raptors will go this deadline, but the acquisition of Precious Achiuwa this offseason from the Miami Heat has potentially made Birch expendable. He’s a limited offensive player, but he can rim-run and is one of the more naturally athletic options on the market.

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Chicago Cubs
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Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

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WATCH: Bulls Give Great Behind-the-Scenes Look at Matas Buzelis’ All-Star Weekend

While the NBA's All-Star Weekend was largely a flop, Chicago Bulls fans were given something to be excited about. Rookie Matas Buzelis was invited to compete in two of the league's biggest events. Initially in town for the iconic Slam...

The Bulls Took the Training Wheels Off Matas Buzelis, And He’s Off to the Races

Matas Buzelis left the Chicago Bulls with no choice. As has become an unfortunate trend inside the organization, the Bulls were seemingly delaying the inevitable for the first half of the 2024-25 regular season. Trading away two of their top...

The Looming Ayo & Coby Decision, Best Defenders in Franchise History, and Other Bulls Bullets

A piece of relationship advice: Find someone who loves you as much as Arturas Karnisovas loves guards. Despite moving on from their best backcourt player at this deadline, the Chicago Bulls will remain stuffed at the guard position for the...

By Keeping Nikola Vucevic Past the Deadline, the Bulls Risk History Repeating Itself

Nikola Vucevic dominated the headlines well before Zach LaVine was sent to the Sacramento Kings. If you asked many of those who either watch or follow the Chicago Bulls closely, they would have likely had the big man No. 1...

The NBA Only Created More Problems in Latest All-Star Game

I glanced at the clock as I glided into my parking spot โ€“ 6:55 p.m. CT. When I first called to place my pizza order, I was worried I wouldn't be back in time. Sure, we live in an era...

Improving Lottery Odds, Letting Josh Giddey Test the Market, LaVine Teases Dunk Contest Return, and Other Bulls Bullets

The Chicago Bulls have three days to scarf down junk food and not stretch a single muscle in their body. The race to the bottom starts on Thursday! To be clear, the Bulls' chances of finishing with Top-5 lottery odds...

Dunk Contest Thoughts, Front Office Called Out, Lonzo Ball at All-Star Weekend, and Other Bulls Bullets

I remember sitting in my parent's basement in 2011 when Blake Griffin watched a Kia roll onto the hardwood in Los Angeles. The suspense was perfectly built to both his and the broadcast's credit. Ominous music blared through Staples Center...

Matas Buzelis Fails to Make It Out of First Round at NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Matas Buzelis struggled to leave his mark on the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Taking the floor after fellow rookie Stephon Castle, the Chicago Bulls' forward didn't play it safe. Buzelis lined up underneath the rim and attempted to bounce...

Mac McClung Jumps Over a Car for Insane First Jam at NBA Dunk Contest (UPDATE: THREE PEAT!)

Mac McClung held nothing back in his first dunk of All-Star Weekend. Trying to become the first player in NBA history to win three consecutive dunk contests, McClung walked onto the court and immediately snatched a pair of car keys....

NBA Mad at Chris Paul & Victor Wembanyama After Trying to Hack Skills Challenge

The NBA will have some words for Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama. The two Spurs tipped off All-Star Saturday Night as teammates for the annual Skills Challenge. A timed obstacle course that features passing, shooting, and dribbling drills, the youngster...

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Lafayette vs. Holy Cross Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Holy Cross Crusaders (15-9) will attempt to break a three-game road slide when they take on the Lafayette Leopards (7-17) on February 19, 2025 at Kirby Sports Center.On Saturday, in its most recent game, Lafayette fell to Bucknell 62-51....

Charleston Southern vs. High Point Women’s Basketball: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The High Point Panthers (15-11) will try to continue a three-game win streak when they visit the Charleston Southern Buccaneers (12-14) on February 19, 2025 at The Buc Dome.In its most recent game, Charleston Southern defeated UNC Asheville on Saturday,...

Winthrop vs. Presbyterian Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Big South play on Wednesday will see the the Winthrop Eagles (13-13) host the Presbyterian Blue Hose (5-20) at Winthrop Coliseum, tipping off at 6:00 PM ET.Winthrop lost its previous game to High Point, 69-56, on Saturday. Konnor Gambrell was...

Buffalo vs. Kent State Women’s Basketball: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

MAC action on Wednesday will see the the Buffalo Bulls (20-4) host the Kent State Golden Flashes (16-9) at Alumni Arena, beginning at 6:00 PM ET.In its most recent game, Buffalo beat Ohio on Saturday, 79-67. Chellia Watson scored a...

How to Watch Lehigh Mountain Hawks vs. Bucknell Bison Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The Lehigh Mountain Hawks (21-4) bring a 10-game winning streak into a home matchup with the Bucknell Bison (14-10), who have won three straight.In its previous game, Lehigh topped Holy Cross on Saturday, 69-59. Ella Stemmer scored a team-high 16...

UMass vs. Loyola Chicago Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Loyola Chicago Ramblers (11-15) aim to break a three-game road losing streak when they visit the UMass Minutewomen (14-12) on February 19, 2025.In its most recent game, UMass fell to George Mason on Sunday, 76-66. Yahmani McKayle scored a...

How to Watch Richmond Spiders vs. George Washington Revolutionaries Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The Richmond Spiders (22-5) will host the George Washington Revolutionaries (11-14) after winning seven home games in a row.In its previous game, Richmond defeated Saint Louis on Sunday, 59-49. Its top scorer was Addie Budnik with 16 points. On Saturday,...

How to Watch Seton Hall Pirates vs. UConn Huskies Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The UConn Huskies (24-3) will attempt to continue a three-game win streak when they visit the Seton Hall Pirates (18-7) on February 19, 2025 at Walsh Gymnasium.In its previous game, Seton Hall topped Providence on Sunday, 59-38. Jada Eads scored...

Saint Bonaventure vs. VCU Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Saint Bonaventure Bonnies (5-20) will attempt to break a 10-game losing streak when they host the VCU Rams (11-15) on February 19, 2025 at Reilly Center.In its previous game, Saint Bonaventure fell to Davidson on Sunday, 55-37. Dani Haskell...

How to Watch Georgia State Panthers vs. James Madison Dukes Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The Georgia State Panthers (14-12) will attempt to build on a three-game winning streak when they host the James Madison Dukes (23-4) on February 19, 2025. The Dukes have won 15 games in a row.In its most recent game, Georgia...

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