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  "path": "/bulls/2026/04/19/two-picks-bulls-keepers-next-season-draft-dependent",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-19T12:55:18.436Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>The comments from Anfernee Simons were somewhat surprising.</p><p>Not only that an NBA free agent-to-be was insisting that he wanted to return to his current team — that’s just smart business — but also how many times Simons said it.</p><p>If he were trying to sell the media on his happiness while playing in a Bulls uniform, despite appearing in just six games before a wrist fracture ended his season, it worked.</p><p>How realistic is it, though?</p><p>A month ago, not very. The 26-year-old shooting guard seemed to be buried behind a line of guards who were younger — and cheaper in some cases — but that was when the Bulls were still invested in restricted free agent Jaden Ivey.</p><p>Once Ivey started going on his social-media platforms and making discouraging comments, well, Simons re-signing with the Bulls became a bit more realistic.</p><p>But it comes down to this: What do the Bulls get out of two first-round picks?</p><p>Say the Bulls get lucky and hit No. 4, draft North Carolina big man Caleb Wilson or Duke’s Cameron Boozer if he should drop a spot, and then when No. 15 comes around they grab a rim protector like Aday Mara or Jayden Quaintance. That bodes well for Simons.</p><p>His ability to play next to Josh Giddey in the backcourt would give the Bulls a solid 1-2 scoring punch. Simons didn’t have the reputation for ever being a good defender in his Portland days, but bought in on that side of the ball while playing for the Celtics.</p><p>Even so, between Matas Buzelis, Wilson or Boozer, and then a Mara or Quaintance, there will be plenty of rim protection behind that backcourt to help out.</p><p>If the Bulls stay at No. 9, however, and grab one of the many guards in that area code of the draft, well, it has been nice knowing you, Anfernee.</p><p>Mikel Brown Jr. would change things for Simons. Could he come off the bench? Sure, he did for the Celtics. But that’s an easier sell for a championship team like Boston. If that’s the scenario, and the Bulls are looking for veteran leadership and scoring off the bench, that’s where Collin Sexton might be a better option.</p><p>He’s only a year older than Simons but likely would come cheaper.</p><p>The Bulls have $58 million to spend thanks to adding a second first-round pick, so money won’t be that much of an issue, but there are also numerous holes to fill on this roster.</p><p>So are Simons or Sexton keepers? That will depend on the draft.</p><p>The rest of the free-agent decisions for the Bulls:</p><p><b>C Zach Collins</b> — If the price is right, Collins is a keeper. The injuries are a major concern, but the physicality he brings off the bench and the high IQ make him a great mentor for young frontcourt players. A solid two-year deal to pass the baton? <b>KEEPER</b></p><p><b>C Nick Richards</b> — The Richards Experiment had a few flashes but far too many down moments. Sure, he’s a rim runner and alley-oop guy who the Bulls haven’t had in years, but he seems to have borrowed the hands of Cristiano Felicio far too often. <b>PASS</b></p><p><b>F Guerschon Yabusele</b> — Nice guy who played hard out of position for an undersized Bulls frontcourt, but Yabusele was a fill-in for a team that needed bodies to finish out the season. There is bigger game to hunt this offseason than “Le Bear.” <b>PASS</b></p><p><b>F Leonard Miller</b> — There’s definitely something there for Miller, who has a team-friendly $2.4 million option. It will be a no-brainer to pick that up, as Miller could develop into a high-energy rotation forward. <b>KEEPER</b></p><p><b>G Mac McClung</b> and <b>G Yuki Kawamura</b> — These two are in the same boat as two-way players and should be kept in that capacity depending on the market. They are both great end-of-the-bench locker-room guys but also replaceable. <b>KEEPER</b> (One or the other for filling out the roster and fulfilling the need a two-way player.)</p><p><b>C/F Lachlan Olbrich</b> — It was great to see the rookie end the season with a triple-double and he does play with an edge, but if the Bulls draft and use their money wisely, he becomes very expendable. He was on a two-way contract. <b>PASS</b></p>",
  "title": "With two picks Bulls keepers next season will be very draft dependent",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-19T12:55:18.436Z"
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