Following his standout senior season at Villanova University, the Chicago Bulls signed undrafted free agent guard Wooga Poplar to an Exhibit 10 contract, giving him the chance to join the team for Summer League and training camp. Poplar appeared in four games during this year's NBA 2K26 Summer League, averaging 6.5 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 15.9 minutes per game, providing the front office with an early look at how he stacks up against NBA-level competition.
Despite gaining valuable experience throughout the offseason, Poplar was unable to impress the front office enough to remain a member of the training camp roster. As reported by Keith Smith of Spotrac, the Bulls waived the 22-year-old. Smith added that there will be no cap hit for the Bulls, and that he is expected to join the team's G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls.
This gives Poplar the perfect chance to continue developing his game against high-level competition while staying on the organization’s radar for potential future call-ups or a two-way contract.
For an undrafted rookie like Poplar, making the regular-season roster was always a long shot. This is a path we’ve seen countless times, and it’s far from a negative reflection on a player. On numerous occasions, undrafted players have used the G-League as a bridge to the NBA, gaining experience and proving themselves against NBA-level competition.
Wooga Poplar move benefits both team and player
Waiving Poplar was the decision that made the most sense for the Bulls. The move reduces their training camp roster to 20 of the allowed 21 spots, giving the team flexibility to pursue a free agent with a stronger chance of contributing during the regular season. Players such as Bol Bol, MarJon Beauchamp, and Keion Brooks remain available on the free agent market and are more likely to have an immediate impact.
Training camp is a crucial point in the season for coaching staff and front office personnel; they can use it as a final evaluation period for potential regular-season contributors. Now that Chicago has an extra roster spot, it can prioritize players who can make an immediate impact, finding those with the skill sets to help complement the current roster.
Ultimately, the decision to waive Wooga Poplar was expected, but it benefits both sides. Poplar gains a clear path to development while remaining within the Bulls organization, and the team gains flexibility to pursue a player with a legitimate chance of contributing at the NBA level. It’s a move that helps balance player development with roster competition, keeping both the organization and Poplar in the best position for potential success.