Bulls to sign center Jalen Smith in free agency originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Presented by National Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
Pivoting quickly after the planned loss of Andre Drummond, the Chicago Bulls have reached an agreement with free agent center Jalen Smith on a three-year deal worth $27 million, a league source confirmed.
Smith, 24, is an athletic 6-foot-11 man who shot 59 percent in 61 games for the Indiana Pacers last season, including 42.4 percent from 3-point range. In four seasons with the Phoenix Suns and Pacers, he averages 18.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Most importantly, Smith aligns with the philosophical direction Bulls management appears to be taking, although executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas has said to wait until free agency concludes to declare whether it is officially a youth movement.
What is indisputable, considering the acquisitions of Josh Giddey and now Smith and the re-signing of Patrick Williams, is that management is targeting young players who have already proven they can produce at the NBA level, while also adding a young 19 years old with potential in Matas. Buzelis in the NBA Draft.
Add that to the fact that negotiations with DeMar DeRozan dried up during the Bulls’ exclusive negotiation period, making him an unrestricted free agent, and the continued trade availability of Zach LaVine, and it’s clear that a new iteration of the roster is taking shape.
“I take my role in reshaping this team very seriously and (the NBA Draft) was an important step in that direction,” Karnišovas said on draft night. “Like I said, everything is at stake. I want fans to know that we are committed to the process of building a team for long-term success.”
Smith would also provide insurance should the Bulls find a trade partner for Nikola Vucevic, who still has two years remaining on his three-year, $60 million contract. Smith started 54 of his 204 career games. He has career averages of 8.5 points and 5.2 rebounds in 16.5 minutes.
While Smith is not an elite rim protector, he is a solid rebounder and shooter and can provide space for Giddey with his “stretch-four (or five)” ability.
