The Chicago Bulls have just made one of the most interesting moves of free agency. They have agreed to a two-year, $45 million contract with veteran guard Norman Powell.
How We Got Here:
The Bulls are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 31-51, which was good enough for 12th in the Eastern Conference. They lost several longtime veterans and were searching for proven scoring, leadership, and perimeter shooting.
Powell is coming off the best season of his NBA career. He averaged 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while earning his first All-Star nod. Despite the fact that he was 33 years old, his ability to score at all three levels made him one of the most efficient guards in the league.
His Impact:
The Bulls have been needing a player that is capable of creating their own offense. That is exactly what Powell is able to do with his scoring, as he averaged at least 21 points each of the past two seasons. Aside from that, he can play as both an on-ball and off-ball player, which makes him an ideal fit in a team full of young players that need time to develop.
Additionally, Powell brings a great veteran presence to a locker room that has been sorely lacking it. He was part of the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship team, so he knows what it takes to play winning basketball. He has also been in the league for more than a decade, so he can coach up the young talent that is on the roster.
The fact that the Bulls were able to get Powell for $45 million is also a major bonus. $22.5 million per year is not back-breaking, nor is a two-year commitment. That flexibility, combined with the fact that he will automatically improve the roster, makes this move a win for the Bulls.
This is an interesting move for the Bulls. They have a lot more questions than answers when it comes to their current roster construction. However, if they are able to put things together and Powell can become the veteran leader that they have been lacking, then it will be worth the money.
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