Chicago Bulls: 3 players who likely won't be back next season

Chicago Bulls: 3 players who likely won’t be back next season

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls high-fives Lauri Markkanen #24 against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

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Chicago Bulls Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images /

Chicago Bulls unlikely to return No. 3: PF Cristiano Felicio

Cristiano Felicio appeared to be the next big thing in Chicago several years ago. At least that’s what Forman thought when he signed the big man to a four-year, $32 million contract in 2017, despite him starting just four games to that point in his career and never averaging even five points per game. Unsurprisingly, that contract became a major albatross.

The following season, Felicio had the best year of his career, when he started 16 games and averaged 5.6 points per game. His scoring average dropped to 4.0 points per game in 2018-19, then 3.9 points per game in 2019-20.

Bulls fans would be forgiven for thinking Felicio wasn’t on the roster this past season. He played in just 18 games, averaging 4.7 minutes per contest. Felicio scored 1.3 points per game and grabbed 1.4 rebounds per game in 2020-21.

Frankly, it’s only worth bringing up Felicio’s name here as a reminder of just how bad his contract turned out. His disappearance from next season’s roster won’t be felt in any grand way on the court.

It’s possible Felicio could carve out a role on the end of a bench somewhere without the burden of expectations he suffered from in Chicago. There’s virtually no chance he’ll be with the Bulls next season, though.

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