TRADE NEWS> Bulls Sign Free Agent Former G League Rookie of the Year
By the standards of the regular season, the Chicago Bulls‘ starting roster is full. There is one available two-way contract spot and fifteen ordinary contracts. Of those conventional contracts, only fourteen are fully guaranteed. During the offseason, teams are permitted to carry up to 20 standard contracts.
The addition of former undrafted free agent Kenneth Lofton Jr. to the roster further added to the unpredictability of the Bulls’ back end.
The Memphis Grizzlies signed Lofton, 22, as an undrafted free agency in 2022. He played for Memphis, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Utah Jazz in 2023–24.
In 21 games during 2023–24, Lofton averaged 4.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
His output in the G League was higher. Lofton won Rookie of the Year in 2022–23 after averaging 20.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in 17 games with the Memphis Hustle.
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Kenneth Lofton Jr., a multifaceted big man, is added by the Bulls.
Lofton will likely fight with backup Torrey Craig, 2024 free agent signing Jalen Smith, and starter Patrick Williams for playing time
In addition, Smith will assist Nikola Vucevic, with second-year big man Adama Sanogo providing support.
Nearly 53% of his buckets come from the paint, where he does the most of his damage as an effective offensive player. Additionally, Lofton generates a good deal of his own offense—43% of his made baskets come from unaided possession, which is really remarkable—as Sports Illustrated’s Alex White noted in March.
Lofton can reach the hoop whenever he wants to thanks to a special blend of strength and technique. Once there, he possesses a superb touch that greatly enhances his conversion rate. He is an excellent passer and rebounder in addition to being a scorer.
The Bulls’ 2023–24 roster was somewhat smaller than usual. Lofton is a 6-foot-7 power forward and center who doesn’t gain any height or length.
Lofton’s game is highly admired by Stacey King, the previous Bulls champion. On August 15, podcast presenter Mark Schanowski published a piece. “On this roster heavy on guards, more size on the front line is a positive.
Bulls Use Help From The Frontcourt To Balance Guard-Heavy Roster
There are nine guards on the Bulls roster, including the two-way player DJ Steward. They get their fifth big man in Lofton.
If they are able to find a trade partner to release Vucevic, that may alter.
Under a three-year, $60 million contract, he is currently in Year 2 and will have $20 million counted against the cap in 2024–2025. After dealing Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls would be looking to expand their younger roster, and moving Vucevic would be a step in that direction.
Lofton would definitely fit within that pattern. The Bulls finding a new home for the two-time All-Star, Nikola Vucevic, would also help him.