The ability of the Chicago Bulls to do well early in this cycle of free agency could make the difference between the team taking a major leap forward next season or disappointing in the Eastern Conference once again. There’s a lot on the line in this cycle of free agency for executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley.
There are a few names that stick out for the Bulls as to who are important impending free agents. And the writing is on the wall for a lot of the Bulls players that are about to hit free agency this month as to what will happen for them.
One player that now looks to be done with the Bulls, at least for now, is the former Villanova Wildcats point guard Ryan Arcidiacono. The Bulls reportedly declined to pick up the team option of Arch this offseason, which will make him a free agent next week.
The Bulls are declining the $3M team option on Ryan Arcidiacono, per source.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) August 1, 2021
Arcidiacono could be a candidate to return on a minimum deal, although he also is expected to draw interest in free agency.
Chicago Bulls could let Ryan Arcidiacono walk this summer
The team option that Arch had with the Bulls was worth around $3 million. And the Bulls could reportedly still hand him a minimum contract this offseason. But we’ll just have to wait and see how the market plays out for him this summer.
Although, this move could open up a key spot in the backcourt unit for head coach Billy Donovan to potentially upgrade ahead of next season. The Bulls also already added two guards since the night of the 2021 NBA Draft. Former Illinois Fighting Illini star junior point guard Ayo Dosunmu was picked up with the 38th pick in the second round of the 2021 draft.
And then, the Bulls also picked up the former Oregon State Beavers senior combo guard Ethan Thompson as an undrafted free agent on an EXHIBIT-10 deal.
The backcourt unit could also get deeper for the Bulls if any early free agent signings come down this week. The negotiation window for the NBA in this cycle of free agency begins on Aug. 2. And the official signing window will open later in the week on Aug. 6 and 7.
There is a lot happening for the Bulls right now. And one of the changes for the team ahead of next season could be a shift in backcourt personnel if Arch signs elsewhere.
It should be said that Arch found a valued role for himself in a niche of a good shooter from deep and one of the tougher off-ball players and defenders the Bulls had among guards in the past three years. Arch proved that he at least deserves a shot in the NBA for a while as a former undrafted free agent signing of the Bulls.
Last season with the Bulls, Arch averaged 3.1 points per game, 1.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.2 steals, and no blocks. And he shot 41.9 percent from the field, 37.3 percent from beyond the arc, and 65.0 percent from the free-throw line.