8 Difference-making players the Chicago Bulls signed past their prime

4. Goran Dragic (2022)

During the 2022 NBA offseason, the Chicago Bulls signed Goran Dragic as a backup veteran point guard option for a team that had already a strong core locked up. Even though there was still much uncertainty revolving around Lonzo Ball and his injury, the Bulls believed they could compete with the dynamic 1-2 punch of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. After abbreviated stints with the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets, Dragic was viewed as a potential veteran difference-maker who could work as a stopgap until Ball could return.

In the end, neither of those thoughts worked out for the Bulls. Dragic played in 51 games during the 2022-23 NBA season for the Bulls while averaging six points and three assists on 43 percent shooting from the field. However, shortly after the NBA Trade Deadline, the Bulls would end up waiving Dragic and Ball would miss the remainder of the season. Dragic would go on to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks for the remainder of the season.

Looking back at his career, there’s a very strong argument to make that an unfortunate plantar fasciitis injury in the 2020 NBA Finals somewhat derailed the final chapter of Dragic’s career. He could still sign on with a team before this upcoming season, but it would be extremely surprising if he played any kind of extended role again in the NBA.