The Chicago Bulls are making waves in the NBA rumor mill as they gear up for the 2026-27 season. Bryson Graham, stepping into his first free agency as the Bulls' front office leader, has already turned heads with his draft choices.
Snagging Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain in the first round has earned him respect, even if the second round left some fans wanting more. Graham's transparency in addressing these critiques, however, has only bolstered his reputation.
Now, with over $30 million in cap space, the Bulls have some clear objectives: they need to fill roster gaps, particularly in the backcourt. With Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu gone, the search is on for a reliable on-ball scorer to complement primary facilitator Josh Giddey.
The need for shooting prowess is especially pressing, as neither Wilson nor Swain is known for their three-point shooting, and while Matas Buzelis is improving, he's not yet a high-volume threat. The expectation is that some of the Bulls' budget will go towards acquiring a shooter.
Enter Norman Powell, a name that has taken many by surprise. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Bulls are eyeing the 33-year-old guard, who boasts a career 39.6 percent from beyond the arc. Fresh off one of his best seasons, Powell averaged 21.7 points, shooting 47.0 percent from the field, including 38.0 percent from three-point range on 7.1 attempts per game.
Powell's scoring ability and floor-spacing skills make him an attractive option for the Bulls, fitting well alongside Giddey and the team's athletic wings. However, Powell's age and ball-dominant style raise questions about his fit with the Bulls' youthful roster. While his veteran presence and experience with Miami's Heat Culture could be invaluable in fostering a winning environment, it's uncertain whether Powell aligns with the Bulls' long-term vision.
The financial aspect cannot be ignored either. A potential $25+ million annual contract for Powell might be seen as a short-term solution, which could conflict with Graham's strategy of maintaining flexibility and exploring salary-dump opportunities. Although Powell's contract could be tradable, his age and defensive limitations might complicate future moves.
Ultimately, while Powell could provide the scoring punch the Bulls are seeking, the decision to pursue him remains a complex one. Balancing immediate needs with future goals will be key as the Bulls navigate this pivotal free agency period. As always, the NBA offseason is full of surprises, and the Bulls' next move is eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
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Now, after being waived by the Nets, Simmons is signaling that he wants another shot in the NBA and has been spending time in Miami while weighing his next step. For the Heat, that creates a familiar kind of offseason intrigue: a talented name with real upside, but also a long list of questions that would have to be sorted out before anything concrete could happen. [Read more 🡒]
Heat Free Agency Pressure Just Shifted To One Crucial Backcourt Call
As the NBA free agency window approaches, the Heats offseason to-do list is starting to take a clearer shape: add veteran shooting and another steady playmaker around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. That means Miami is shopping in a backcourt market that has to solve more than one problem at once, with the team looking for players who can stretch the floor, settle possessions and lighten the load on a roster that still needs more reliable perimeter help.
Tim Hardaway Jr. brings the local ties that always make these pursuits feel a little more interesting, while Mike Conley fits the classic need for a composed floor general who can organize an offense when things bog down. Miami also has a longer list of names in the mix, from Landry Shamet and Anfernee Simons to Quentin Grimes and others, but the real challenge is finding the right balance of shooting and control before the market moves past them. [Read more 🡒]
Heat Suddenly Look Poised For Another Major Roster Shakeup
The Heat are heading into free agency with their usual appetite for a roster tweak, and this time the list of possible fits is long enough to suggest more than a routine shopping trip. Miami has already made a couple of small procedural moves by guaranteeing Dru Smiths contract and declining Jahmir Youngs option, while Andrew Wiggins is expected to remain part of the picture as the front office eyes ways to add more offense around its core.
What stands out is the kind of names attached to the search, from shot-makers like Anfernee Simons, Zach LaVine, Cameron Johnson, Tim Hardaway and Khris Middleton to the possibility of a bigger splash if the right door opens. The Heat are said to be aiming for at least two skilled three-point shooters, which makes the next few days about more than just filling the back end of the roster - it could shape how aggressively Miami decides to chase another significant shakeup. [Read more 🡒]