The 2026 NBA free agency period is heating up, and the Chicago Bulls are making waves with their pursuit of key players. According to Mike Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Bulls have their sights set on veteran guard Norman Powell and center Jock Landale, both unrestricted free agents.
Norman Powell's Potential Impact
Acquiring Norman Powell would be a strategic move by the Bulls' front office, led by Bryson Graham, to address the team's shooting depth. Powell has proven his mettle as a sharpshooter, boasting a career 39.6% from beyond the arc on 4.5 attempts per game over his 11-year NBA tenure. His shooting prowess was on full display during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, where he averaged 7.1 three-point attempts per game with the Clippers and Heat, respectively.
Beyond his shooting, Powell's experience as a former NBA All-Star and a member of the 2018-19 NBA Champion Toronto Raptors adds valuable leadership to any locker room. His championship pedigree and veteran presence could be pivotal for a Bulls team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Jock Landale's Fit with the Bulls
Turning to Jock Landale, his potential signing aligns with the Bulls' strategy to bolster their frontcourt. While not a high-volume shooter, Landale's ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shot has been developing. He achieved a career-high 2.8 three-point attempts per game in the 2025-26 season, showcasing his growing confidence from long range.
Landale's journey in the NBA has been noteworthy, entering the league at age 26 after a successful international career. His connection with Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter, both having played under the legendary Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, adds another layer of familiarity and trust.
Bryson Graham, who previously acquired Landale during his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks, should have a comprehensive understanding of Landale's capabilities, making this potential acquisition a well-informed decision.
Navigating the Salary Cap
The Bulls' financial strategy for the 2026 offseason is clear: operate under the NBA salary cap of $165 million. As discussed in a recent radio interview, Graham intends to utilize the room mid-level exception, available only to teams with cap space.
With recent additions like Nic Claxton, rookie Caleb Williams, and guard Dailyn Swain, the Bulls' projected salary for the 2026-27 season stands at $136.5 million. This leaves the Bulls with $16.5 million in cap space, as they need to meet the minimum salary requirement of $148.5 million.
This cap flexibility allows the Bulls to offer Norman Powell a competitive salary of up to $28.5 million for the 2026-27 season without breaching the cap. Considering Powell earned $20.5 million last season, this offer could be enticing.
Moreover, the room mid-level exception of $9.4 million provides the Bulls with the opportunity to give Jock Landale a significant raise from his veteran minimum contract, further solidifying their roster for the upcoming season.
In summary, the Bulls are strategically positioning themselves in the free agency market, aiming to enhance their roster with key acquisitions while maintaining financial prudence. With Powell and Landale potentially in the mix, Chicago could be setting the stage for an exciting 2026-27 NBA season.
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