Chicago Bulls prospect admits he was drafted ‘to be like Alex Caruso’ ahead of a ‘big year’ for his NBA future

Dalen Terry admits he needs to perform well this season to ensure NBA future

Chicago Bulls star Dalen Terry spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times ahead of the final year of his rookie contract.

He admitted that he needs to deliver on expectations, and he is hoping to finally live up to the Alex Caruso archetype next season in order to earn a new contract.

“Hell, yeah, it’s a big year for me. This is how I think everybody views it. They view it as I’m not a guy that scores 20, 30 points. Well, I got drafted to be like [former Bulls guard] Alex Caruso.

“OK, he can guard, he can do all the little things, he can be a connector. That’s what I strive to be this year.

“Like, even [in the Bulls’ preseason victory Thursday against the Cavaliers], in my eyes, I played like s—. But you look at the box score, and I’m guarding Donovan Mitchell.

“I was tough on him. Guarding De’Andre Hunter. I was tough on him. I have to live like that, you know?

“I remember being in the locker room [when] AC was still here, and some days he would have six points and some days he would have 20 points.

“That’s just the way it’s going to be. I have to hang my hat on the defensive end. So when people try to put pressure on what I should be, I’m just going to be myself.”

Chicago Bulls not considering Dalen Terry extension at the moment

In the same report, we learned that the Chicago Bulls, as things stand, aren’t considering an extension for Dalen Terry.

There have been no serious discussions about a contract extension between the Bulls and Dalen Terry, whom they selected with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2022 draft.

“That means Terry will play out the season and go through restricted free agency. And a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow isn’t promised in this NBA landscape.

“It’s up to Terry to catch the attention of the Bulls so they want to stay invested and showcase his skills for the 29 other NBA teams.”

Terry has failed to leave an impression on the Bulls, averaging just 3.5 points per game in his first three seasons. Unless he takes a massive leap next season, expect him to be a free agent in 2026.