Multi-time Dunk Contest champ lands with Chicago Bulls for 2025-26

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zachary Roberts | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 5:46 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls haven’t had a nationally relevant player in a while. They’ve had and still have good players, but they haven’t had someone like LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, or Donovan Mitchell who will be in the headlines all the time. That’s not necessarily a good or bad thing, but it does hurt the current team’s visibility a little bit. And while it may not help a ton on the basketball court, someone quite relevant to the wider NBA has just signed a deal with the Bulls.

3x Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung signs with Chicago Bulls

Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung reacts in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Most casual basketball fans know who Mac McClung is, but not because he’s particularly good at basketball. In fact, he’s struggled to make it to the NBA level and stay there throughout his NBA career. His supreme athleticism hasn’t made a nice NBA career, but he’s not without his accolades. He’s won the Dunk Contest an impressive three times, and he’s a former G League MVP. Now, he’s the newest member of the Chicago Bulls.

According to Mike Scotto, McClung is signing a deal with Chicago, but we don’t know how long or for how much. We can safely assume it’s a very inexpensive short-term contract given McClung’s talent level. And since the signing is happening just days before the season officially begins next week, the guard won’t have much time to really make an impact. It’s highly likely that he’ll end up with the Windy City Bulls first.

However, given how good he’s been in the G League, McClung may eventually crack the rotation. If nothing else, he’s probable for the Dunk Contest again. He’s won it three times in a row. He’s the only NBA player to ever do that. In fact, only Nate Robinson has won three, and no one has won four. McClung would be going for history this year if he participates, and the Bulls will get to be a part of it. The last Bulls Dunk Contest winner? Michael Jordan in 1987 and 1988.

Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung celebrates with the trophy and former NBA player Julius Erving (right) after winning the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

His arrival may not help the Bulls get out of the play-in range this year. However, McClung will certainly bring a level of attention to the team that wasn’t there before. And when he inevitably goes dunking, he’ll be doing it in a Bulls jersey. That’s substantial for a team that hasn’t had much during All-Star Weekend in a while.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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