Why?
Because, although they didn't get Carmelo Anthony, or any other max contract free agents, they accomplished the task of putting together a strong and deep roster with one of the best front lines in basketball.
So, although the NBA has been edging toward pushing small-ball throughout the league, it doesn't change the fact that teams will still need to rebound and defend to win in the playoffs and the NBA Finals.
That lack of frontline size and rebounding helped limit the Miami Heat to a 50% win percentage in the last 4 NBA Finals.
So, going into the 2014-15 NBA season with a frontline of Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson, Nikola Mirotic, Cameron Bairstow, and 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, Joakim Noah, the Chicago Bulls have one of the best and deepest frontlines in the NBA.
And much of that would not have been possible if the Bulls had dedicated all their cap space to acquiring Carmelo Anthony.
Instead of the "dream scenario" of getting Melo, the Chicago Bulls persuaded Pau Gasol that they had the best shot of winning an NBA Championship now (ahead of other Pau suitors San Antonio and Oklahoma City).
But just as important was having the cap space to sign 2011 NBA Draft Pick Nikola Mirotic.
The former Spanish League and Spanish Cup MVP has often been referred to as the best basketball player (until now) not in the NBA.
While he was on the Waddle and Silvy Show on ESPN Radio last week, Gar Forman revealed that the Chicago Bulls had multiple offers to exchange Mirotic for top 10 picks in this summer's NBA Draft.
The 6' 10", 23 year old Mirotic has, by more than a few scouts and front office personnel familiar with his game, been tabbed as a talent that would have gone in the Top 4 in this year's highly touted NBA Draft Class, so the decision to hold onto Mirotic rather than move his rights to open up cap space for free agents may prove to be the smartest long term decision that was made this summer.
Mirotic's mature game, size, and potential to improve against elite competition makes him one of the most intriguing and, possibly, the move that pays the most dividends in the immediate and long-term.
The Chicago Bulls front office of Gar Forman and John Paxson have once again reloaded the team with Championship-calibre talent and depth, and Bulls' fans are looking forward to seeing another deep playoff run, possibly to the NBA championship.
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