The Chicago Bulls have some vital roster decisions to make this summer. While a rebuild could be the smartest move for the future of the franchise, Arturas Karnisovas seems intent on running it back with the current core. And if that’s the case, he’ll need to make some big-time additions to the roster.
In addition to attacking the trade market and nailing free agency, the Bulls also need to focus on retaining their current talent. Guys like Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu are all in need of new contracts. However, in the case of one of their players, the decision was not theirs to make.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. will be declining his player option, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
“Chicago Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. is declining his $3.3 million player option for the 2023-24 season and entering unrestricted free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium,” Charania tweeted.
Chicago Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. is declining his $3.3 million player option for the 2023-24 season and entering unrestricted free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 21, 2023
Jones Jr. appeared in a career-high 64 games for the Bulls this past season, playing 14.0 minutes. He averaged 5.0 points and 2.4 rebounds on 50.0 percent shooting from the field and 33.8 percent shooting from behind the three-point line.
Heading into free agency, the Bulls will be in serious need of forward help, especially now that Jones Jr. may not be back. Outside of Patrick Williams and Dalen Terry, they don’t have much depth at that position off the bench. It will be a huge need for them this summer.
Throw in their need at the point guard spot and lack of three-point shooting, and the Bulls will have a lot of choices to make.
