The Chicago Bulls faced a difficult decision this summer, one that lingered throughout the offseason. They wanted Josh Giddey back in the Windy City, but at what cost was the million-dollar question. The standoff lasted until Sept. 9, when both sides finally agreed on a $100 million deal, to be exact.
Now the Bulls face another, less public contract conundrum. Unlike Giddey’s, though, it isn’t urgent. Fourth-year wing Dalen Terry is entering the final year of his rookie deal, giving Chicago until Oct. 20 to sign him to an extension or let him play out the season before restricted free agency next summer.
Sandwiched between the Bulls’ contract dilemmas was one of their easier business calls. Chicago had until Oct. 31 to exercise Matas Buzelis’ third-year option, but instead made the move early on Oct. 3. Buzelis is now under contract for another season at $5.7 million.
Matas Buzelis will be suiting up for the Bulls for at least another season
It was always a no-brainer that Chicago would exercise Buzelis' third-year option, even if he hadn't performed up to expectations in year one. Nonetheless, that wasn't the case as the 20-year-old forward earned an All-Rookie nod following an impressive post-All-Star break stretch.
The 11th-overall pick didn't see much playing time to begin his career, averaging less than 17.0 minutes per game in each of the first four months of the season. His breakthrough came in February, when he took the place of Patrick Williams as the starting power forward. Over 11 games, including nine starts, Buzelis averaged 12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while converting 50.0 percent of his field goals.
The 6-foot-10 wing averaged 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game after the All-Star break. He shot 46.7 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three, showcasing a well-rounded offensive game.
Now, Buzelis enters year two with plenty riding on him. He’s essentially Chicago’s lone hope for a future All-Star, though it’s far too early to assume he’ll reach that level. The two-way potential is there, but the next few years will reveal just how good he can become. Fortunately for the Bulls, those seasons will come at a steep discount, with another team option still available to exercise next year.
The sophomore forward will earn $5.5 million this season, $5.7 million next, and $7.6 million if the Bulls exercise his fourth-year option. Buzelis’ rise will underscore just how crucial it is to hit on a draft pick in a league constrained by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.