NBA Free Agents 2014 Rumors: Chicago Bulls Could Pursue Lance Stephenson Instead of Carmelo Anthony
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly one of the preferred destinations of Carmelo Anthony this summer, but the All-Star forward will likely stay in the Big Apple with Phil Jackson now in full control of New York Knicks' front office—which means the Bulls may have to target another star to join their ranks.
If Anthony decides to stay with the Knicks, ESPN's Jon Greenberg suggested that the Bulls will likely target Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson.
Greenberg noted that signing Stephenson is a better option for Chicago instead of acquiring Anthony because the Bulls can easily create cap space for Stephenson. To sign Stephenson, the Bulls just have to waive Boozer via the amnesty provision.
"Ideally, it's Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson," Greenberg noted. "In some ways, he's a better Plan A, because he could fit in the salary slot vacated by the amnesty of Boozer."
Stephenson, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is having a breakout year for the Pacers this season, averaging 14.3 points to go along with 7.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
NBA analysts are not sure whether or not Stephenson will be a good fit for the Bulls, but Greenberg is convinced that the 23-year-old guard will make the Bulls a better team, adding that Stephenson will mesh well with fellow New Yorkers Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah.
"The Bulls need someone who can create his own shot. Would Stephenson fit in with the Bulls? Absolutely, and having Gibson and Joakim Noah around -- the two best New York City role models in the league -- wouldn't hurt his growth and development," Greenberg noted.
Aside from signing Stephenson, the Bulls could finally bring EuroLeague star Nikola Mirotic to Chicago to improve their title chances next season. The 21-year-old forward is currently playing for Real Madrid in Europe.
"The next-best plan would be to bring Nikola Mirotic over from Europe and see if he has what it takes to succeed in the NBA. That would mean amnestying the final year of Carlos Boozer's deal, which is fine for the Bulls since Taj Gibson has become a better all-around player," Bulls beat writer Nick Friedell suggested.