Central Division Roundup: Bulls Monitor Kessler, Outline Draft Plans; Beasley Status Unchanged; Boswell Visits Pacers
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Chicago, IL — The Chicago Bulls are keeping tabs on Walker Kessler’s contract talks with the Utah Jazz as they search for a new starting center, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Kessler, 24, is a restricted free agent and is widely expected to re-sign in Utah, but the Bulls could test the Jazz’s resolve if the sides remain apart when free agency opens on June 30. Cowley suggests Chicago float an offer of roughly $20 million per season.
The Bulls’ current front-court depth faces uncertainty. Free agent Zach Collins expressed interest in returning during an April media session, yet Cowley doubts that sentiment holds after head coach Billy Donovan’s departure and the franchise’s commitment to a rebuild. Nick Richards, acquired from Phoenix at February’s trade deadline, is also projected to leave in free agency; Cowley described the center as an awkward fit in the locker room.
Bulls’ Draft Outlook
Cowley projects Chicago to draft North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick and Baylor guard Cameron Carr at No. 15, leaving new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham to seek front-court help on the open market.
Separately, Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune highlighted Wilson’s athletic profile—he averaged 2.8 dunks per game at North Carolina—and labeled him an ideal match for the club’s new timeline. Poe believes the Bulls may still target a center at No. 15, noting that Michigan’s Aday Mara could be gone by then, while Italy’s Luigi Suigo, Washington’s Hannes Steinbach, and Houston’s Chris Cenac remain possible alternatives.
Pistons’ Beasley Still Awaiting Resolution
Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley, who missed the entire season, remains sidelined until the NBA concludes its gambling investigation, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports. Detroit retains Beasley’s non-Bird rights and can offer a new deal starting at $7.2 million. Sankofa added that restricted free agent center Jalen Duren is in line for a new contract and predicted forward Isaiah Stewart will stay with the team.
Boswell Works Out for Pacers
Illinois guard Kylan Boswell met with reporters after a workout for the Indiana Pacers this week and discussed how studying veteran point guard T.J. McConnell has influenced his approach.
Source: HoopsRumors
