Apr 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) speaks with guard T.J. McConnell (9) during a time out against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Bulls Sign Center Jalen Smith to 3-Year Deal in Free Agency

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jul 1, 2024 1:19 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls have added to their front court. After re-signing Patrick Williams prior to free agency, the Bulls have now added depth at the center position. Per reports, the Bulls and former Indiana Pacers center Jalen Smith have agreed to terms on a three-year, $27 million deal.

Free agent center Jalen Smith has agreed on a three-year, $27 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. Smith’s agents at @KlutchSports reached deal with Bulls front office overnight. pic.twitter.com/rxox7tQ5fZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024

Smith was the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. The Suns moved him to Indiana in 2022 for his now teammate Torrey Craig. Smith is coming off a respectable season in Indiana, averaging 9.9 PPG and 5.5 RPG.

Smith is a really nice bench center, but the question still remains regarding the future of Nikola Vucevic. With reports that the Bulls have tried moving Zach LaVine, the futures of Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan hang in the balance as well. Smith is a good bench addition, but shouldn't be expected to start unless the Bulls are expecting to play for a lottery pick next season.

The Bulls are far from done this offseason. With a number of critical moves on the horizon, things are surely going to be interesting as the offseason persists.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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