What should the Chicago Bulls do this offseason?

After blowing a 2-0 lead to the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Bulls face a period of uncertainty. What should they do next?

If it were not for Rajon Rondo’s injury, we may not be even having this conversation. The Chicago Bulls looked very dominant with Rondo running the offense, but when he was gone they clearly struggled.

Rondo averaged 11.5 points, 10.0 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game in two games before his wrist injury. Chicago looked like they were going to beat Boston in four or five after the two games, but then Rondo got hurt.

By the end of the series, after losing four-straight games, Bulls fans were chanting “Fire Hoiberg!” which truly displayed the dysfunction that is facing this team.

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It was surprising to see the Bulls make the playoffs in the first place. While the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers had a late season surge, the Bulls seemed like the odd team out. However, they were able to win when it counted, clinching the playoffs with a victory over the lowly Brooklyn Nets on the last day of the season.

Chicago was not expected to do much in the playoffs, let alone win a series, but stealing two games in Boston was really a pleasant surprise – you know, before it all came crashing down.

Three Major Questions That Face The Bulls: Should they fire Fred Hoiberg? Do they trade Jimmy Butler? Should they bring back Rondo and Wade?

The first question has a very simple answer, Chicago should absolutely fire Hoiberg. Hoiberg has an 83-81 record in two years with the Bulls. While Chicago actually had a better record last season at 42-40, the Bulls missed the playoffs. This year, the Bulls had a slightly worse record at 41-41 but made the playoffs.

In his two seasons, the Bulls have been much worse on the offensive end which was supposed to be Hoiberg’s strong suit. The Bulls overall have not improved as a team so something must change. While it may be a bit rash to fire a coach after two seasons, I believe it is the best move for the Bulls.

The next question should have a simple answer, yet it is complicated. Chicago has toyed with the idea of moving Jimmy Butler this past season, which is surprising because he is their best player. The Bulls should not trade Jimmy Butler unless they receive a Melo-type deal. Jimmy Butler is the best player on the team and seems like the ideal candidate for the Bulls to build around.

Butler is having his best season as a pro, averaging career highs in points (23.9), rebounds (6.2), and assists (5.5). Chicago should opt to keep Butler, but it would not be surprising to see him get traded.

The Bulls should keep Rajon Rondo and let Dwyane Wade walk. Rondo initially appeared to be a poor fit in Chicago, but he was able to turn it around and make the Bulls more competitive in the process. Rondo’s performance in the first two games of the playoffs had Chicago looking like they could take down the top-seeded Celtics. The Bulls must keep Rondo because when he was leading the offense Chicago was at their best.

Overall, the Chicago Bulls have some big decisions to make this offseason – and they really can’t afford to mess it up

Dwyane Wade played well in his first season with the Bulls. Wade was effective as the secondary scoring option to Butler. With Wade’s arrival, Butler slid down to small forward so Wade could start. For the season, Wade averaged 18.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, his lowest PPG since his rookie year.

Wade’s season appeared to be over when he injured his elbow in mid-March, but he was able to return after a few weeks. While Wade played well in the playoffs, the Bulls should let him walk. Wade will likely command a salary of at least $20 million this offseason and Chicago should stay away (assuming he opts out of his contract).

Overall, the Chicago Bulls have some big decisions to make this offseason – and they really can’t afford to mess it up. If the Bulls decide to keep Rondo and Butler and let Wade and Hoiberg go, that would be a great start to retool the team.

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With the cap space the Bulls would have from removing Wade off the books, they could theoretically find a star to compliment Butler. However, Chicago should not blow it up. They have a good franchise player in Butler and two solid starters in Rondo and Robin Lopez.

The Chicago Bulls could look different next season, whether it is in a good or bad way remains to be seen.