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2017 NBA free agency grades: Chicago Bulls will re-sign Cristiano Felicio

By James D. Tillman III

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 26: Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls defends a shot from Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at TD Garden on April 26, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 26: Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls defends a shot from Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at TD Garden on April 26, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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It is being reported that the Chicago Bulls will re-sign Cristiano Felicio to a four-year deal. Was this a good move?

The Chicago Bulls have been to the playoffs eight times in the last 10 years, but under head coach Fred Hoiberg, the team has compiled a mediocre record of 83-81.

Considering that Hoiberg was supposed to be the voice the team needed to help them take the next step, the past two seasons have been disappointing by those standards. So after careful consideration, the Bulls decided it was time to hit the reset button.

First, they dealt Jimmy Butler — along with the 16th overall pick, Justin Patton — to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the seventh overall pick, Lauri Markkanen.

Next, they waived Rajon Rondo despite the fact he was clearly the best point guard on the roster. Furthermore, they waived Isaiah Canaan — the only point guard who played reasonably well in the playoffs after Rondo went down with an injury.

In light of these recent moves, the Bulls are clearly focused on retaining and developing their younger players. That being said, it is of little surprise they have reached an agreement on a four-year deal with Cristiano Felicio, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical.

At first glance, this deal could be viewed as a hefty price to pay for a reserve player who averaged 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per contest last year. However, this next tidbit may sway your opinion somewhat.

Shaun Livingston — who played a key role for the Golden State Warriors this past season — has reportedly reached an agreement on a three-year deal worth $24 million.

You may be asking yourself, “How does that relate to this scenario?”

Well, Livingston — who also came off the bench — averaged 5.1 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Obviously, Livingston has a more versatile skill-set than Felicio, and he can put up double figures on any given night for perennial title contender.

At the same time, though, Felicio’s numbers are comparable, which kind of explains why the Bulls are willing to invest in the 24-year-old for the long-term.

As far as Felicio is concerned, this is quite the accomplishment considering he was an unknown on the Bulls’ Summer League team just two years ago. Now, he is regarded as a key member of the second unit.

With the changes the Bulls have made, it is safe to say they will not be contending for a postseason berth next season. Re-signing Felicio will not move the needle all that much in the grand scheme of things.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

But considering the direction of the team will be the continued development of the younger players, locking down one of their two restricted free agents should be considered a positive.

Grade: B

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