The Chicago Bulls continued their puzzling offseason approach today when the declined to pick up their $4.37 million option on Ronnie Brewer.
A tenacious defender and an impressive baseline offensive attacker, Brewer will become an unrestricted free agent. Brewer averaged 6.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 24.8 minutes per game last season. He started 43 games.
The 27-year-old veteran of six seasons will likely pursue a long-term contract befitting a player of his age and ability. To put it plainly, Brewer will likely not return to Chicago. The only positive of Brewer’s exit is the expanded playing time that will fall to Jimmy Butler. The 22-year-old Marquette product played hard last season for notorious rookie hater Tom Thibodeau and earned Chicago’s trust.
The Brewer news follows reports that Chicago will not pick up C.J. Watson’s $3.2 million option and the inevitable exit of backup center Omer Asik. The Houston Rockets have offered Asik a 3-year, $25 million contract. The Bulls simply cannot afford to match that number for their restricted free agent.
Of lesser import is the impending exit of third string point guard John Lucas III. The first round selection of Kentucky point guard Marquis Teague suggested the Bulls would move in a different direction and, reportedly, Lucas III has been contacted by the Miami Heat. Hope LeBron doesn’t mention this.
Throw in the fact that, at best, Derrick Rose will play half the season next year following knee surgery, and next year’s Chicago Bulls promise to be not nearly as watchable as they were in last year’s regular season.
Entering Wednesday’s official free agency opening, Chicago faces several questions.
Kirk Hinrich?
Captain Kirk agreed to a two-year contract reportedly worth around $6 million. The 31-year-old combo guard will fill the hole left by C.J. Watson and will likely start at point guard, his better position. Haggled by injuries last season, Hinrich averaged 6.6 points and 2.8 assists in 25.8 minutes per game. The career 42% shooter posted five straight +6 APG seasons with the Bulls after the team drafted him seventh overall out of Kansas in 2003. The two-year signing serves as a low-risk, high-reward move for the Bulls as they can find out if Hinrich can still play the point like he used to in Rose’s absence. Upon Rose’s return he could easily find himself in backup duties at both point and shooting guard.
Who is our backup center?
The Turkish Hammer is gone. Without Omer Asik, who will give Big Goofy a blow? In an offseason when the Bull’s primary focus should be landing a legitimate shooting guard, this question unfortunately looms largest. Regardless of talent, 7-footers run cost serious dough in the NBA. See: Joel Pryzbilla’s 5-year, $32 million deal. This is where you Google Joel Pryzbilla’s career stats. Anyway, the answer to this question may very well be no one. Responding to the dearth of big man talent, the NBA is rapidly moving to a smaller game. The remaining centers in the free agent market (Chris Kaman, Ian Mahinmi, Javale McGee) will all come at a price too rich for the Bulls. While a no-namer for a minimum contract is likely, the Bulls could be better off spending their money on a power forward. J.J. Hickson, Carl Landry or Anthony Randolph could possibly become the fourth “big man” that the Bulls need. Taj Gibson proved he can play center against many teams last year and could continue that trend next season.
Shooting Guard?
Rip Hamilton is not the answer. If the Chicago Bulls will ever challenge the Miami Heat, they will need a player capable of both half court offense and transition baskets. Hamilton is adept at the former, inept at the latter. While The Big Guy continues to swoon over unrestricted free agent O.J. Mayo, but the likelihood of his arrival waned with Asik’s exit. If Courtney Lee does not sign with the Boston Celtics, look for the Bulls to make a serious push for his John Hancock.
Kyle Korver
Did I mention his option decision must be made by Sunday? Expect Chicago to keep Korver.
The Sports Guys 
