Already the Chicago Bulls’ 2018-19 season has been a strange journey. Injuries to several key players turned the team into a M.A.S.H. unit which contributed to the team stumbling out of the gate 5-20; it also forced players to take on different roles. This gave Bulls brass the opening to fire coach Fred Hoiberg. His replacement Jim Boylen made such a wonderful impression on the team that they reported him to the NBAPA over his practice schedule.
It has not been the homecoming Jabari Parker had hoped for. Thinking he would be starting when the Chicago native signed a 2 year, $40 million contract he was asked come off the bench, then after Lauri Markkanen went down he was inserted into the starting lineup. Now ESPN’s Malik’s Andrews has reported that Parker will be removed from the regular rotation.
“Jabari has been great. He understands. Jabari wants to make it about helping the team win. And that’s what I’ve asked him to do.” – Bulls Head Coach (for now) Jim Boylen
With this move, it is all but a certainty that the Bulls will not pickup Parker’s $20 million option for next season. A buyout is another possibility but Andrews reports there have been talks of such between Parker’s representatives and the team. That could change as we move closer to the trade deadline and considering Parker has averaged 15.8 points 7.1 rebounds and 2.3 assist per game, there are quite a few teams that could use his services.
