Jalen Smith has committed to the Chicago Bulls as a free agent, replacing Andre Drummond, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Jalen Smith had the option to remain with the Indiana Pacers for the 2024-25 NBA season but chose not to pick up his $9.58 million option. Instead, he secured nearly triple that amount with his contract in Chicago, where he will likely serve as a backup center.
Smith, who last played for the Indiana Pacers, averaged 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game during the 2023-24 NBA season, shooting 59.2 percent from the field over 61 games. He started in just 14 games last season and has started in only 54 games overall since being selected 10th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2020 NBA Draft.
The Bulls recently lost their primary backup big man, Andre Drummond, who opted to rejoin the Philadelphia 76ers. Drummond was a reliable backup for the Bulls last season and performed well in games where he filled in for an injured Nikola Vucevic.
It remains to be seen if Smith can match or surpass Drummond’s contributions, but the Bulls are hopeful. One area where Smith could excel is in floor spacing and three-point shooting. He is a career 33.5 percent shooter from beyond the arc and posted a career-best 42.4 percent last season, making one three-pointer per 2.4 attempts per game.
Free agency:
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chose a Bruce Brown strategy
- Kevin Porter Jr. returns to the NBA
- Tyrese Maxey and Philadelphia 76ers agree to 5-year, $204M max contract
- Paul George is leaving the Los Angeles Clippers
- Chris Paul left the Golden State Warriors and immediately found a new team
Other:
- Kelly Oubre Jr. has agreed on a two-year, $16.3 million deal, to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers
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Cade Cunningham is in talks with the Detroit Pistons about a five-year max contract
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Naji Marshall agreed to a three-year deal worth $27 million with the Dallas Maverick
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Mason Plumlee goes to the Phoenix Suns for one year
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The Utah Jazz plan to release center Omer Yurtseve
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Luke Cornett is returning to the Boston Celtics for one year
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Max Christie is close to a four-year, $32 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers
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Obi Toppin is within reach of a four-year, $60 million contract with the Indiana Pacers
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