Wade at top of Bulls' list in 2010
If the Bulls are going to make a recruiting pitch to Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, a good place to start would be fan support.
The Heat drew some great crowds during its playoff runs of 2005 and '06, but the atmosphere was much calmer in American Airlines Arena for Sunday's Bulls-Heat clash. There was still a decent crowd, though plenty of vacant seats near the court, while a curtain blocked off portions of the upper deck.
Wade grew up here - southwest suburban Robbins, actually - so he knows the United Center would be lively every night for an all-Chicago backcourt of himself and Derrick Rose. Heck, every arena in NBA nation would be electric if two of the most athletic guards ever to play the game joined forces.
Maybe it's far too early to predict what might happen when the vaunted 2010 free-agent class hits the open market. There could be trades during the season and team success figures to be an important factor.
At the same time, it's probably a mistake to assume the Bulls will try to spend their cap space on a marquee power forward next summer. Based on my observations over the past several years, I believe Wade will be their top target.
Why? Because he's a great player. LeBron James is the only 2010 free agent who would be a bigger prize than Wade and James doesn't seem at all inclined to join the Bulls.
Who knows with Wade? He's a very loyal to Chicago and spent most of his summer lining up a long list of charity events in the city. Wade was relatively quiet against the Bulls on Sunday, but when he did score, it was usually on a spectacular drive to the basket.
He might stay put and try to convince Chris Bosh to join him in Miami, because the Heat will have money to spend as well. Wade might also see the potential of teaming with Rose, while counting on the Bulls to use their spare parts to trade for a scoring big man.
Another important variable for the Bulls is the fact that shooting guard John Salmons can opt out of his contract next summer, skipping a final year worth $6.7 million.
If Salmons plays well this season and comes close to matching last year's 18 point scoring average - let's face it, he'd almost have no choice but to become a free agent. He turns 30 in December and there wouldn't be a better time to shop for one more long-term contract to give his family financial security that should last generations.
As the current season begins, the Bulls have two large expiring contracts in Brad Miller ($12.3 million) and Jerome James ($6.6 million). Tyrus Thomas will be a restricted free agent in 2010 and Salmons can opt out of his contract.
The Bulls have seven players under contract for 2010-11 at a total of $38.56 million. If Salmons opts out, their payroll would drop to $31.86 million. This year's salary cap is $57.7 million, but it's expected to drop next summer. How much, no one knows.
So the flexibility runs deep. The Bulls could end up chasing premier power forwards such as Bosh, Carlos Boozer and Amare Stoudemire. They could also have an opening at shooting guard and try Atlanta's Joe Johnson if Wade doesn't work out. The Bulls could also probably re-sign Thomas or Salmons if they choose.
It will be an interesting summer all over the NBA. The suspicion here is the Bulls' first phone call goes to Wade.