The Chicago Bulls are in rebuild mode, and the Milwaukee Bucks may not resign Jabari Parker. That makes this a perfect opportunity for the Bulls.
Jabari Parker is a restricted free agent of the Milwaukee Bucks. After tearing his ACL for the second time late in the 2016-17 season, Parker made his return to the court this season. Playing in 31 games last season, things weren’t really looking up for Parker.
Because Parker tore his ACL, it dimished his value a little bit, and he had to rebuild his value — and he may have done just that.
As it stands, the Milwaukee Bucks may not re-sign the power forward, which might pave the way for another team to bring him in. Luckily for Parker, there is one team that may want his services.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls are progressing toward a deal with Parker. As a restricted free agent, whatever deal the Bulls offer Parker, the Bucks have the opportunity to match it. Parker voiced his displeasure with the team toward the end of the season, and it felt as if the two sides weren’t on the same page heading into the offseason.
Parker, even though he only played in 31 games last season, averaged just over 12 points per game and nearly five rebounds on close to 50 percent shooting. He’s an athletic big who can step out and hit the three. That wouldn’t be too bad to put alongside 2017 first round pick Lauri Markkanen.
The only question that remains is if the Bucks would actually match whatever the Bulls offer Parker. He’s a good player and both teams could use him. If the price was right, the Bucks may match the offer, but if it’s too much (which it in all likelihood could be) the Bucks may not want to match it.
Parker is from Chicago, and would probably love nothing more than to go play for his hometown team. We will see how this plays out.