5 teams that could steal Josh Richardson from the Pelicans

Josh Richardson, New Orleans Pelicans. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
Josh Richardson, New Orleans Pelicans. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
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Zach LaVine, Patrick Beverley & Nikola Vucevic
Zach LaVine, Patrick Beverley & Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls. Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)

5. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls reportedly want to win now, and while their main priority might be getting a point guard in case Lonzo Ball is not ready, they also need to improve their wing rotation. They desperately need defense and outside shooting to stretch the floor. Out of their regular rotation players from this season, only Patrick Williams shot over 40 percent from three. Zach LaVine, Coby White, and Alex Caruso all shot in the neighborhood of Richardson’s three-point percentage from the 2023 season, but an additional shooting option would upgrade their shooting and spacing. With only 28.9 three-pointers attempted per game, the Bulls easily ranked last in that category.

Besides, there are not many financially affordable free agents out there who meet most of the Bulls’ offseason needs. Richardson could give them some defense, shooting, and a bit of playmaking while not blowing up their budget in return for a chance at a bigger role. None of the Bulls’ bench players averaged more than 9 points this season, so given that he produces as he did in San Antonio, Richardson could be the main option off the bench. The Bulls ranked 24th in bench minutes and points per game in the regular season. If they want to hang with the better teams in the league, they need to improve their bench play, and adding Richardson would be a good start.