The Chicago Bulls have been moving slowly and methodically in free agency while they await the formal execution of the offer sheet from the Houston Rockets for Omer Asik, but they still need to do additional work to shore up the backcourt heading into next season. Star point guard Derrick Rose will be on the shelf until at least late-December while he recovers from knee surgery, so the Bulls will need capable bodies.
Kirk Hinrich is on his way in, but Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Watson are gone and Kyle Korver could be on the move soon. Patrick Beverley has been linked to the Bulls in free agency rumors and Marquis Teague could contribute as a rookie, but apparently Chicago hasn't ruled out re-signing John Lucas III. He played solid minutes for the Bulls last season, and K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune notes that Lucas could be in line for a larger role if asked to bridge the gap until Rose returns:
The Bulls haven't ruled out re-signing John Lucas III. They own his "Early Bird" rights and can pay more than his other suitors, which include the Wizards and Heat. Coach Tom Thibodeau long has valued Lucas and hasn't ruled out a significant role until Rose returns should Lucas re-sign.
The news that Thibodeau values Lucas shouldn't come as a surprise, because Thibs seems to have a soft spot for everyone from last year's squad. This revelation comes from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:
Management kept going through roster scenarios w/ Tom Thibodeau and asking: Who do you want to keep? His answer, basically: "All of them."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 12, 2012
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