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Bulls waive player acquired in Pacers draft trade right before free agency
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- Bulls waive player acquired in Pacers draft trade right before free agency
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During the week of the NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls surprised many by trading away No.38 pick Braden Smith for Indiana Pacers guard Kam Jones .
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A week later, the Bulls officially decided to waive Jones right before free agency, per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. As a result, Chicago will clear more space to sign free agents .
Meanwhile, Jones has become an unrestricted free agent . He won't be paid a fully guaranteed $2.5 million deal. However, Jones will be paid a partial buyout worth $1.07 million.
Teams will now be gunning for Jones, who adds depth to the backcourt and possesses solid playmaking skills. Additionally, Jones would be able to sign with a team that wouldn't have to trade anyone to take on his contract.
Jones played 37 games with the Pacers in his rookie year. He averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 40.2% from the field. However, he averaged only 16.6 minutes per game. Jones sat out the first three months of the season due to a lower back injury.
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Therefore, Chicago's signing of him was perplexing to some, given that Smith became Purdue's all-time assists leader with 1,103. Chicago VP of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham defended his second-round decisions as they got cash considerations and future second-round swaps.
The Bulls are coming on the heels of an overall productive NBA Draft period, selecting Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain .
Whoever picks up Jones will likely sign him to a minimum-salary contract, a partially guaranteed deal, or an invitation to training camp to assess his health.
Related: Bulls sign backup center to $17 million extension to avoid free agency
Related: NBA rumors: Bulls linked to Max Strus trade, Jonathan Kuminga amid Norman Powell chase
