For the majority of Chicago Bulls fans who don't remember, once upon a time Shannon Brown played for the Bulls. His tenure in Chicago was unremarkable, as he played in only six games and averaged 1.5 points per contest in 2007-2008. His next-highest statistic was turnovers at nearly one per game.
Of course, Brown is now a two-time NBA champion after playing with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers for the past two seasons.
That's more rings than Tracy McGrady or Allen Iverson, two big name players still searching for a team.
McGrady has been linked with the Bulls as of late, but despite his past performance, Brown fits much better with the new-look Bulls.
Sure, Brown is still a bit of a raw talent. He averaged 8.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, all of which were career highs.
However, he has the youth and athleticism this Bulls squad is looking for. Chicago is easily one of the youngest teams in the league, and adding the 24-year-old will only make the squad more energetic.
Brown may not be the fantastic three-point shooter the Bulls crave at the shooting guard position, but he made a respectable 33 percent of his shots from beyond the arc last season.
That's much better than the Bulls' current starting shooting guard, Ronnie Brewer, who shot 10 percent worse from distance.
However, a platoon of Brown and Brewer would make for a perfect offensive-defensive duo. Not to mention "Brown and Brewer" rolls nicely off the tongue.
Brown has been a part of the Lakers' deep playoff runs and has stepped up in big moments. That would add to the Utah Jazz core Chicago acquired.
Brown, like Brewer, could run with Rose and start the fastbreak. He's a great finisher at the rim and has reduced his turnovers.
With all that said, signs are pointing toward him returning to the Lakers.
Yet, anything is possible during this free agency period, and the Bulls would be wise to target Brown aggressively. The team still has a significant amount of cap room even after the recent addition of C.J. Watson, and should consider using nearly all of it to pry Brown from the Lakers' grasp.
Going after McGrady is a waste of time. Some team (read Clippers) is going to overpay for him, and chances are McGrady will under-perform or get injured at some point during the season.
McGrady spurned the Bulls once. It's time for them to return the favor.
Brown, on the other hand, has the potential to be a quality player on a championship contender for years to come. He already proved that in Los Angeles.
The key for the Bulls in the final stages of free agency is to not overspend. Period. The eight-man rotation is pretty much established.
That should not stop the Bulls from being aggressive though. Brown is arguably the best young talent still available in the free agent market, and the Bulls are a young team looking to work their way to the top.
Brown already knows what a championship tastes like. And chances are he wants more.
The Bulls could use that hunger next season.