It appears that the Chicago Bulls have made another move to sure up their roster during the offseason. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Bulls have signed power forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. to a one-year contract. Lofton split time last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz. On the year, the 22-year-old averaged 4.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 21 NBA games. However, in four games with the Jazz, Lofton was able to showcase his talents. With Utah, Lofton averaged 13.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 60% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Free agent F/C Kenny Lofton Jr. is signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Bulls, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Lofton will compete for a roster spot in training camp. He has played 45 games across two NBA seasons. pic.twitter.com/2OXh9831ZI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 16, 2024
Chicago Bulls Are Reportedly Signing 2-Year Power Forward
Kenneth Lofton Jr. Impressed in the G League Last Season
Lofton spent most of his time last season in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats and Salt Lake City Stars. And while his NBA stats were forgettable, the forward looked great in the G League. In 19 total games in the G League last season, Lofton averaged 25.1 points on 56.4% shooting. Additionally, he averaged 9.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
What Kenneth Lofton Jr. Will Bring to Chicago
On paper, Lofton is a very interesting player with a unique skillset. He is listed at 6’8, 275 pounds (although he has list a noticeable amount of weight in the last year). Though he is technically on the heavier side, Lofton has a smooth playstyle. He is a solid scorer in the paint and the post. Additionally, Lofton is a solid rebounder and brings a lot of energy onto the court. He is a very well-rounded player who showcased a lot of what he can do in the G League. Furthermore, he is improving as a perimeter shooter.
It is unclear where Lofton fits in with Chicago next season. However, his versatility and potential should be enough to give him the chance to become a mainstay in the rotation.
Recapping the Bulls’ Offseason
The Bulls have had a hectic offseason this summer. They moved on from star DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings. Additionally, the Bulls also traded defensive anchor Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. Furthermore, Andre Drummond joined the Philadelphia 76ers, though they signed Jalen Smith from the Indiana Pacers to fill his role.
It also remains to be seen what the team does with Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and Nikola Vucevic. For months, these three have been subject to numerous trade rumors. However, for the time being, it seems they will all at least begin next season with the Bulls.
Chicago has failed to make the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. And chances are, this season will make it a third. Regardless, the re-tooling of their roster should be fun to watch next year.
