It didn’t take long, but former Indiana Pacers big Jalen Smith has a new home. Smith declined his $5.4 million option on June 28, which proved to be a sound financial decision as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the 6-10 forward has agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Former Top 10 Draft Pick Inks Deal With The Bulls
Smith, a former first-round pick, was highly efficient in his two-plus years with the Pacers. However, the 24-year-old had to battle with Isaiah Jackson for minutes behind starting center Myles Turner.
Smith struggled in Game 1 of the first round against Milwaukkee, posting a -13 rating in 13 minutes, and coach Rick Carlisle gave most of the second unit minutes to Jackson. Smith ended up playing just 42 minutes in six postseason appearances.
Overall, Smith averaged 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds (1.8 offensive) in 17.2 minutes over 61 games, including 14 starts, in 2023-24. Smith connected on one 3-pointer with 59.2/42.4/69.2% shooting splits. He posted five double-doubles and scored in double-figures 31 times, topping the 20-point mark once.
Smith, a 2019-20 All-Big Ten Selection and All-Big Ten Defensive choice, was selected with the No. 1o overall pick by the Phoenix Suns in 2020. He played limited minutes for the Suns in his rookie season, and while he saw a slight increase, Smith didn’t take off until he was dealt to Indiana at the 2022 trade deadline.
How Does Smith Fit With the Bulls?
Smith is a fantastic pick-up by Chicago. The Bulls really needed to add depth to their frontcourt, especially after losing Andre Drummond to Philadelphia. He also comes to the Bulls on a relatively cheap contract.
Smith will make $8.5 million this upcoming season. He is slated to make $9.0 million in 2025-26 and $9.4 million in 2026-27.
Smith will likely fill Drummond’s role as Nikola Vucevic’s primary backup, although the Bulls have been rumored to be shopping Vucevic, along with Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball.
Smith is the 14th player on a standard contract for the Bulls, following the recent additions of Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis and the re-signing of Patrick Williams. The Bulls are on the hook for $157.6 million in salaries this year, including $5.19 million for Buzelis.
Smith fits the same type of player the Bulls are looking for: young and athletic. Due to his athleticism and high motor, he thrives scoring around the rim and on the glass. He can also stretch the floor with his shooting and is an underrated defender, particularly in the low post.
Since Chicago didn’t have any cap space to sign Smith, the Bulls may use a portion of their $12.8 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Or the Bulls may work out a sign-and-trade with the Pacers.
Regardless of how the Bulls ultimately acquire Smith, they will be hard-capped at the first tax apron.
