Bulls Waive Alfonzo McKinnie to Create Space on Roster

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Matt Berklan | Last updated 2/19/22

With the buyout signing of Tristan Thompson nearly complete, the Chicago Bulls needed to create an opening on the roster. The team elected to waive Alfonzo McKinnie to make room for Thompson. McKinnie came to the Bulls as a wavier signing due to the COVID-19 outbreak that hit the team. Having been born and raised in Chicago, fans were hoping McKinnie would pan out.

The Chicago Bulls are waiving forward Alfonzo McKinnie, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The move creates roster space for signing of Tristan Thompson. McKinnie played 17 games for Bulls this season – and now will be playoff-eligible to join a new team.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 19, 2022

During the times when the Bulls had a laundry list of missing players, McKinnie excelled in the minutes he received. But now that the roster is nearly back to full strength, the Bulls just couldn’t find the minutes to justify his place on the team.

McKinnie ends his stint with the Bulls playing in 17 games, including three starts. Over that span, he averaged 3.5 PPG and 1.9 RPG. When he was called upon, he stepped up. But the Bulls roster is more talented now with Tristan Thompson. If McKinnie passes through waivers unsigned, the Windy City Bulls could potentially pick him up.

This move comes as a slight surprise, as many called for Matt Thomas to be the roster casualty. Thomas has a similar stat line to that of McKinnie, but Thomas’ inconsistent shooting and poor defense draw regular criticism.

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

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