Bulls Rumors: Cavs have interest in signing Denzel Valentine

Most Bulls rumors this offseason haven’t covered what could happen to the former lottery pick and shooting guard/wing Denzel Valentine. Chicago looked to part ways with Valentine this offseason after a 2020-21 campaign for him that wasn’t the most productive.

Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager re-signed the former Michigan State Spartan last offseason on a one-year deal out of restricted free agency. But this offseason is the first time where Valentine is an unrestricted free agent.

And he has yet to find his next home thus far.

But a report from Chris Fedor of cleveland.com on Aug. 17 notes that the Bulls Central Division foe Cleveland Cavaliers have now expressed interest in signing Valentine. The terminology used was in terms of the Cavaliers exploring options to fill a wing depth need this summer.

This piece from cleveland.com noted that the Cavaliers have “some interest” in considering Valentine to fill this wing depth need.

Bulls rumors could see Denzel Valentine off to Cleveland

That doesn’t sound too convincing that the Cavaliers are locked in to sign Valentine. But it is at least a consideration for the former Bulls wing to potentially find his next home. There weren’t a plethora of other suitors coming his way this summer.

Valentine had sparks last season with head coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls. But even the new coaching staff and front office regime couldn’t help to right the ship for him. Injuries were a problem for Valentine earlier in his career, but he was healthier the past two seasons.

Last season, Valentine was actually less efficient than usual. He registered a player efficiency rating just north of 10.0, -2.9 box plus/minus (second-worst of his career), and .032 win shares per 48 minutes (very close to career-worst).

Moreover, there’s really nothing else to do for Valentine but to find a change of scenery. The Bulls didn’t work out too well for him the past few seasons, and maybe he can find more traction elsewhere.

Valentine finishes out his time with the Bulls in all likelihood with less than five total career win shares and a -1.9 box plus/minus. He just never quite lived up to the hype during his five seasons in Chicago.