Former Chicago Bulls players who will find success elsewhere in 21-22: Daniel Gafford
Among the fan favorites for Bulls players throughout the 2019-20 campaign, and for some of last season, was the former Arkansas Razorbacks rim-running center Daniel Gafford. In the midst of his second year in the NBA, the Bulls dealt Gafford out to the Washington Wizards during a busy trade deadline day.
The Bulls shipped off Gafford at the trade deadline last season for the return that included shooting guard/small forward and former first-round draft pick Troy Brown Jr. While this trade could work out well for the Bulls in the end, it was still sad to see an emerging productive big man that worked as hard as Gafford get traded away.
As long as Gafford is able to stay healthy with the Wizards throughout next season, he should be one of the better reserve centers around the league. When he was healthy down the stretch with the Wizards last season, Gafford was very productive and efficient. He averaged just over 10 points per game, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks, down the stretch with the Wizards last season.
Gafford already played well for the Wizards down the stretch last season. It wouldn’t be all that surprising to see him excel in the latter portion of his rookie contract. Gafford seemingly found a home with the Wizards. And it looks like the Wizards were more willing to commit to building this rotation with Gafford, whereas they were not with small forward Chandler Hutchison.