Chicago Bulls Rumors: 2 Players Who Won't Be Back Next Season

The Chicago Bulls had another season end in disappointment, finishing two games under .500 and being eliminated in the Play-In Tournament. But according to executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas, they are not looking to blow things up.  

It seems they're looking to re-sign free agents Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White. 

Still, some changes are inevitable if the team wants to improve. Let's begin with two players who almost certainly will not be back next season:

Javonte Green

The 6'4" swingman came into the season expecting to be a contributor, but after suffering a serious bone bruise that eventually led to knee surgery and kept him out of the lineup for most of the season, he became a forgotten man for the Bulls, and he's now entering free agency. 

In addition, we learned earlier on Tuesday that forward Derrick Jones Jr. intends to pick up his player option and return to Chicago for the second season of his 2-year deal. Although they play a different type of game, Green and Jones essentially fill the same role for coach Billy Donovan. There really isn't room on the roster (or in the rotation) for both of them, as noted by Bulls Insider KC Johnson. 

Green, who'll be 30 this summer, is likely on his way out.

Patrick Beverley

The aging point guard was thrilled to live out his dream and play for his hometown team for a couple of months.

But when he came out today and said on his podcast that he expects to get a free agent deal paying him in the $13-$15M dollar per year range, he pretty much signed his exit papers from the Windy City. 

Patrick Beverley says his game hasn’t dropped so he doesn’t think the number he gets paid should drop. He’s looking to get $13-15M next year.

Does he get it? 👀

via @PatBevPod pic.twitter.com/ZQpCLarFqY

— Kicks (@kicks) April 18, 2023

PatBev, you'll remember, was cast aside by the Los Angeles Lakers only two months ago, and then bought out by the Orlando Magic. 

Even for a Bulls squad that needs to fill a gaping hole in the backcourt left by the continuing absence of Lonzo Ball, those kinds of demands, when they also have to re-sign Vucevic, as well as the younger Dosunmu and White, simply won't be met. 

Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports