The Chicago Bulls may not compete for a title next season but there will be plenty of competition for roles and minutes on their own roster.
We looked at some of the most important positional battles for the Bulls next season, the ones that will define the future direction of the team.
But the Bulls will also have competition at the other end of the roster, where they have an interesting collection of players who could eventually play their way into the rotation.
Chicago Bulls roster spots, two-way deals and the players fighting for them
If you look at the Bulls payroll for next season, you’ll see that all 15 of their roster spots are currently accounted for, though Onuralp Bitim’s deal is not fully guaranteed.
Chicago also has two open two-way spots to fill with some of the players they have recently signed to exhibit 10 deals and invited to training camp, including Kenneth Lofton Jr., EJ Liddell and Marcus Domask.
The Bulls also signed Talen Horton-Tucker, a confusing signing, who is ineligible for a two-way contract because of his years of service. If he makes the team, it will have to be on a standard deal.
Here’s a prediction for where each of them ends up next season.
Onuralp Bitim: Cut
It’s hard to see how Chicago can squeeze another guard into the rotation, so it’s likely the Bulls eventually just cut Bitim and open up a full-time roster spot.
Talen Horton-Tucker: Signed to a standard contract
THT seems the most likely candidate for the final roster spot for two reasons. The first is that he can’t sign a two-way and the second is he is the most experienced and versatile. Given the Bulls glut of guards, they need guys who can defend up and THT has had some success doing it. He’s also the player from this group who could have the most trade value at the deadline, so it makes sense to keep him around.
Kenneth Lofton Jr: Two-way contract
Given the Bulls’ lack of big-man depth, it would be smart to keep a break in case of emergency guy like Lofton around on a two-way deal. He’s shown he can score around the rim and could end up being a cheap option for a third center.
EJ Liddell: Two-way contract
I liked Liddell coming out of college and don’t underestimate that the Pelicans have nailed a lot of second-round picks. Liddell’s rookie season was ended before it started and he hasn’t gotten much chance, but he’s a long wing who can block shots and started to show the makings of a 3-point shot before he was injured.
Marcus Domask: Cut after training camp
Domask will have an uphill battle for one of the final two-way contracts and ultimately, he’ll likely have to settle for the G-League full time and hope a chance arises for him somewhere else.
Training camp competition is a good thing and the Bulls should have plenty of it up and down their roster next season.