JULY 14
The Chicago Bulls have signed forward Jabari Parker. The Chicago native is signed to a two-year $40 million contract with a team option. Out of Duke University, Parker was selected second overall pic by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2014 draft. Parker played all four seasons in Milwaukee. During his time with the Bucks, Parker averaged 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.00 steals in 30. 7 minutes per game and shot .490 from the field, .352 from downtown and .747 from the free throw line. At his peak, Parker averaged 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds during the 2016-17 season. Despite his injury-shortened 2017-18 season, Parker still averaged 12.6 PPG and 4.9 RPG. Now healthy, Parker is ready to play for the home team. It seems Jabari will be a great fit for the rebuilding Bulls. If Jabari stays healthy and gets back to optimum level, the Bulls could have great run in the upcoming season. With other scorers on the roster, Parker could be the missing piece the Bulls need to get back to consistency. ”Jabari is a 23-year-old player who is a natural fit with our young core, and is a proven scorer at the NBA level. We look forward to welcoming him back to his hometown,” said Gar Forman, Chicago Bulls General Manager. The Bulls released guard Julyan Stone and forward Paul Zipser. If Parker is productive in the 2018-2019 season, the Bulls will probably offer him a long-term deal. The Bulls will have around $45 million to spend, which could include Parker’s next deal, and Bobby Portis and Cameron Payne, who are scheduled to become restricted free agents.
