The Bulls trimmed four names from their camp roster on Monday, waiving wings Brandon Boston Jr. and Drew Peterson, forward Jalen Bridges, and center Orlando Robinson after the preseason wrapped up.
All four players logged at least three preseason appearances for Chicago and came into camp with prior NBA regular season experience. Robinson, in particular, got the longest look and turned in the most productive stretch of the group. Over three games, he averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 11.5 minutes per game.
Chicago could have kept one of those invitees as its 15th man to start the regular season. The team is currently carrying only 14 players on guaranteed standard contracts, and it isn’t dealing with any cap or tax pressure.
Instead, the Bulls are expected to leave that final roster spot open for now. K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network said the club wants the flexibility, and he added that Chicago feels comfortable with its depth after strong preseasons from its three two-way players, even with some preseason injuries in the mix.
There’s also a path for all four players to stay in the organization. If Boston, Peterson, Bridges, or Robinson don’t land elsewhere, they could wind up with the Windy City Bulls in the G League this fall. Windy City acquired the returning rights to Peterson, Bridges, and Robinson through offseason trades, and Boston could be designated as an affiliate player.
If any of the four spends at least 60 days in the G League, each would earn a $91K bonus.
In Other News...
Caleb Wilson Is Forcing A Bulls Question Tiago Splitter Can't Ignore
The Bulls closed their preseason with a 133-116 win over Minnesota, and Caleb Wilson gave them one more reminder that his rise is becoming part of the conversation in Chicago. The rookie was active from the start, scoring efficiently, helping on the glass and making plays as a passer and defender in a game that showcased why the organization is already taking a long look at what he can become.
Tiago Splitter praised Wilsons development afterward and made clear how central the young forward is to the teams future, but he also flagged the bigger challenge sitting ahead of this group. Wilson can supply energy and production in a hurry, yet the Bulls still have to build an offense that doesnt lean too heavily on one newcomer, even one with star potential. [Read more 🡒]
Bulls Still Waiting On A Frontcourt Piece They Really Need
The Bulls are still waiting for Nic Claxton to join the frontcourt group they envisioned when they brought him in, and the hold-up has stretched into preseason. Claxton has been out because of a hamstring injury, leaving Jalen Smith to handle the big-man minutes in his place while Chicago keeps piecing together its interior rotation.
There is at least some movement on the injury front elsewhere, with Zach Collins, Issac Okoro and Tobe Awaka all reportedly improving. The broader outlook around those sidelined players looks better, which only sharpens the focus on Claxton as the one big man the Bulls are still missing most, and the one whose return remains the most important unresolved piece. [Read more 🡒]
Derrick Rose Just Gave Bulls Fans A Powerful Reminder
The Bulls had more than a preseason game to think about at the United Center, where Derrick Rose made an appearance and reminded everyone how much he still means to this franchise. The former MVP and Chicago native has stayed connected to the organization, and his presence around the team carried the kind of weight that only comes from years of shared history and a city that never really stopped claiming him as one of its own.
Rose also spent time around training and crossed paths with Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, another sign that his bond with the Bulls is still active, not just sentimental. With Chicago now turning its attention toward the regular season opener against the Toronto Raptors on October 21, moments like this add a little extra texture to camp, especially when they come from a player whose connection to the team still resonates this strongly. [Read more 🡒]