The guys who get to stay
In the modern era, as it becomes a sort-of “3-and-D” league, it’s important to have dudes who come off the bench firing the rock. Among this unit from the 2016-17 Bulls leave few bodies. Cameron Payne, Jerian Grant, Denzel Valentine and Joffrey Lauvergne should all still have jobs in Chicago next season.
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Coming over in the Doug McDermott trade, Payne and Lauvergne never truly molded into form as Bulls. 2017-18 should at least give them a chance at adjusting that narrative.
Payne, a 2014 first-round pick, will be entering year three of his career. Despite averaging just 5.1 point per game for his career thus far, it’s worth holding on to the guard, at least for development’s sake.
Lauvergne is hitting restricted free agency this offseason. It would be unsurprising if the Bulls were to offer the center a qualifying offer for $2.1 million to maintain him through 2018. Additionally, at 6-foot-11, the French native is known for knocking down a big 3 from time to time.
Denzel Valentine also owns a safe job. The Bulls’ first-round pick in 2016 factored-in greatly in his rookie campaign and looked to have starter potential in the future. Despite averaging just 5.1 point per game, the forward took strides throughout the season.
Rounding out the survivors should be Jerian Grant, a member of the Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks swap last offseason. Grant is another member of the bench under-performers, but who can hit the 3-ball. Shooting 36.6 percent from beyond the arc, Grant averaged 5.9 points a night last season.