Bulls linked to reckless $177 million move that could ruin everything

The Chicago Bulls have some money to spend this offseason, and they also own a pair of first-round draft picks. That includes the No. 4 overall selection thanks to some tremendous luck in the lottery.

Ergo, this is an absolutely pivotal summer for the Bulls, who could expedite their rebuild very quickly with the right moves.

Of course, Chicago also needs to be careful not to overspend on any one particular player in free agency, as it could absolutely destroy its chances of long-term success. The last thing the Bulls want to do is lock themselves into a bad multi-year contract.

Taking that into consideration, there are some players Chicago should definitely avoid on the open market, and Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren is one of them, especially after his playoff collapse.

However, Andrew Hanlon of Pippen Ain’t Easy actually feels that the Bulls should roll the dice on Duren.

Chicago Bulls urged to make reckless move for Jalen Duren

On the surface, Duren looks like an enticing acquisition. After all, he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65 percent shooting during the regular season, and he is still just 22 years old. That’s why Hanlon is campaigning for the University of Memphis product.

“The Bulls, on the other hand, are currently in the business of acquiring and developing young talent. They have the time and patience to let Duren work on his outside shot. To let him master defensive coverages. To become a better player without the pressure of the postseason. He’s come so far in just three seasons; how much more dominant could he be in three more?” Hanlon wrote.

Well, there are a plethora of issues when it comes to Duren.

First of all, his offensive game is very limited. He doesn’t space the floor, he has no post game to speak of and he isn’t a very good passer. Second, he actually isn’t a very good defender, particularly in terms of rim protection. He averaged 0.8 blocks per game this season, which is wild for a player with his size and athleticism.

Finally, Duren just put forth one of the most miserable playoff performances you will ever see for a so-called star player.

The former first-round pick could land a $177 million contract in free agency this offseason, which is something the Bulls should absolutely avoid. Such a deal could handicap Chicago’s long-term flexibility, and Duren simply isn’t worth that much even in a vacuum.

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