ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 11: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic reacts after scoring a three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Amway Center on March 11, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic center and free agent Mo Bamba reportedly wants to play for the Chicago Bulls.
One of the more interesting names to hit free agency is Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba. Originally a restricted free agent, Bamba now has the choice to choose where he wants to play, as the Magic did not present him with a qualifying offer. So, there will be interest to see where he ends up.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, “if it was up to” Bamba, he would want to play for the Chicago Bulls. But, he notes that the “feeling isn’t mutual at his current asking value.”
Would adding Mo Bamba help Bulls’ odds in the East?
The Bulls were among the biggest spenders at the start of free agency last year. They signed two of the top free agents in DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball. DeRozan received a three-year, $81.9 million deal, while Ball was signed to a four-year, $80 million contract.
DeRozan played a high level for the Bulls, while Ball was sidelined midway through the season due to a knee injury. Paired with the presence of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, the team clinched the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Their first playoff appearance since 2017 did not go as planned, as they were eliminated in five games by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Would adding Bamba help improve Chicago’s odds of getting further in the playoffs? Well last season, Bamba had a career year, as he averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while posting a field goal percentage of 48.0. He did so while starting in 69-of-71 games played.
With LaVine likely to return on the supermax deal, adding Bamba should help the Bulls. But, they may have some competition. If not, they can always look towards another option, as Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported that the Bulls have interest in Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert.