The NBA transaction front has been relatively quiet as of late. Two mid-December trades followed by the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets have been the only transactions including multiple teams over the last two months.
However, several smaller transactions are continuously occurring—notably free agent signings. Most recently, the Bulls signed former TCU Horned Frog Emanuel Miller to a two-way contract. Guard DJ Steward was subsequently waived. The Bulls' three two-way slots are now filled by Miller, forward E.J. Liddell, and center Adama Sanogo.
While December saw three trades, January has yet to see a trade materialize. Nevertheless, January 7 was a relatively important date for smaller transactions. The end of the first week in January is the functional deadline for teams to guarantee players' contracts. The Bulls had only one such decision to make. Chicago's Talen Horton-Tucker was the lone player whose contract was non-guaranteed. Instead of cutting the Chicago native loose, the Bulls guaranteed Horton-Tucker's contract for the rest of the season.
Only four of 24 non-guaranteed players were waived on January 7, opening up four roster spots, one each, on the Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors. These teams likely opened up roster spots to increase flexibility ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. Moreover, there's a possibility these teams will look to the free agent pool to add a proven veteran as the playoffs near. With the latter in mind, we'll take a look at four former Bulls who have yet to sign with an NBA team this season.
4 Former Bulls who still aren't on an NBA roster in 2025
Instead of digging deep into Chicago's past rosters, we've presented four former Bulls who appeared in a game at the United Center this decade.
4. Thaddeus Young
At 36 years old with over 1100 NBA appearances under his belt, former Bull Thaddeus Young is on the brink of retirement. The 6-foot-9 forward has yet to appear in a contest this season, with his most recent appearance coming in April of last year.
The last time Young suited up for Chicago was in 2021. During that season, the 17-year veteran averaged 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. 2020-21 was the last time Young averaged double-digit points and 20 or more minutes per game. Since suiting up for the Bulls, Thad has logged time for the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Phoenix Suns.
Although Young is nearing retirement, he recently reiterated his interest in returning to the NBA. In October, on the 2100 Podcast, Young said he's still working out and training, awaiting a phone call. Nearing 37, this may be the last chance Young has to sign with an NBA team. Young might not add much on-court production, but he's certainly a valuable locker-room presence.
3. Chandler Hutchison
Next up is Chandler Hutchison, who spent most of his abbreviated career in Chicago. After being drafted 22nd overall by the Bulls in 2018, Hutchison spent two seasons and some change in the Windy City. Throughout his Bulls' career, Chandler averaged 5.8 points and 4.0 rebounds before being sent to the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team trade.
The 6-foot-6 forward only appeared in 18 contests with the Wizards before signing with the Suns in 2021. Hutchinson's time in Phoenix was even shorter than the nation's capital. The 28-year-old played a mere six contests for the Suns. Hutchison then retired from basketball in 2022 at the age of 26.
However, three months ago, in October, the former Bull came out of retirement and entered the G-League Draft. The Long Island Nets drafted Hutchison, although he was sent to the Cleveland Charge in a trade a day later. Thus far, Hutchison has averaged 8.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in four appearances for the Charge.
2. Troy Brown Jr.
Troy Brown Jr. has suited up for five different squads in six professional seasons. The former Oregon Duck entered the league in 2018, being drafted by the Wizards. Following two seasons in D.C., Brown Jr. was sent to Chicago in the same trade that sent Hutchison to the Wizards.
The 6-foot-6 wing played half of 2020-21 and all of 2021-22 in Chicago. He averaged 4.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as a member of the Bulls. Brown Jr. then spent a season suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers before splitting time between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons in 2023-24. The Pistons then waived Brown Jr. in July.
Following several offseason workouts, the former 15th-overall pick took his talents to Europe, signing with Manisa Basket of the Turkish League. In three contests for Manisa Basket, Brown has averaged 12.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on a team consisting of several former NBA players including Saben Lee, Javon Freeman-Liberty, and Chris Chiozza.
1. Patrick Beverley
An unexpected departure overseas, Patrick Beverley spurned the NBA to sign a $2 million contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC of the Israeli Premier League. Beverley reportedly fielded offers from the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons before deciding to sign with the Israeli squad.
In 11 games played for Hapoel Tel Aviv BC, Beverley has averaged 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. The longtime NBA journeyman has shown he still has gas left in the tank at 36 years old. Beverley's decision to head overseas was surprising, to say the least. The 6-foot-2 guard clued us into his decision, by saying Hapoel Tel Aviv BC's offer was one he couldn't refuse and that he wanted to lead a team to victory on an international stage.
While Beverley's two-year contract makes an NBA return bleak, there's a slim chance we see the former All-NBA Defender again. Beverley is 36 now and will turn 38 by the time his contract is up. Despite the $2 million pact he signed, the veteran guard has said numerous NBA teams have given him a call. Although he'd have to leave his Israeli squad while still under contract, it might be a move Beverley is willing to make.