Rumors have the front office looking to make some big changes to the roster this summer. With Pau Gasol likely leaving through free agency and talks of a potential Jimmy Butler trade, it looks from the outside like this team will be in rebuilding mode heading into next season.
Despite these rumors, management can’t afford to let this squad slip too far and will look at the draft and free agency to keep in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference in 2017.
The latest mocks are all over the place concerning this side. Draft Express has the team taking a versatile youngster in Timothe Luwawu. At 6’7″, this young man can play shooting guard or small forward, something that would give the coaching staff several different options with their lineup.
Another option, and one that would make sense if Butler is moved, is Malik Beasley of Florida State. The 6’5″ shooting guard averaged over 15 points and five rebounds as a freshman for the Seminoles, but several NBA experts have issues with the youngsters work ethic, not a positive sign heading into next months draft.
USA Today has suggested the front office needs to add depth at the point. With injury issues with Derrick Rose and not much talent on the bench, the online site believes Wade Baldwin of Vanderbilt is a perfect fit. The sophomore had a solid year in the SEC and has good size for a point guard and with all the experts in disagreement, it will be interesting to see what direction the front office decides to go as it will give fans a good idea of what their plans are when free agency hits in July.
