Milwaukee Bucks: 4 potential restricted free agency suitors for Jabari Parker
By Rohan Katti
Chicago Bulls
Projected 2018-19 Cap Space: $38,762,078
Why it makes sense
The Bucks’ neighboring rival could end up being a team that swipes Jabari Parker from Milwaukee. After trading away Jimmy Butler in the offseason, the Chicago Bulls are in a full-fledged rebuild, and need talent to get bring themselves back to at least mediocrity.
A go-to scorer in Parker would make a lot of sense for the Bulls, and they would have a lot of cap space to get a deal done, potentially being able to outbid other suitors. There is also a hometown element that could entice Parker to sign an offer sheet with the Bulls. Jabari was born and raised in Chicago, and attended the same high school as Bulls fan-favorite Derrick Rose.
Parker has also extensively mentioned how he strives to bring his home community out of the doldrums, and playing for the Bulls would allow him to be in a perfect position to do so.
Why it doesn’t make sense
Unfortunately for the Bulls, they have their own ACL-tearing restricted free agent to worry about. Zach LaVine was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the trade for Jimmy Butler, and that may be reason enough for the Bulls to try as hard as they can to retain him.
Even if the Bulls have significant cap space remaining after a LaVine deal, John Paxson and Gar Forman may be turned off by the idea of investing so much money in two players who have suffered very serious knee injuries.