Chicago Bulls DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Phoenix Suns forward EJ Liddell was waived on Wednesday. The 23-year-old had spent just four weeks as a member of the team. The Suns acquired Liddell from Atlanta last month in exchange for David Roddy. Liddell, a second-round pick in 2022, made his first eight NBA appearances with the New Orleans Pelicans last season. However, he logged only 23 total minutes. After also waiving Nassir Little, Phoenix expects big things from 21-year-old forward Ryan Dunn during his rookie year. Additionally, the moves opened up a roster spot for the team.

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (knee) stated his rehab has gone well. He also told fans to expect to see him back on the court in 2024-25. The 26-year-old last played in 2021-22 when he averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals in 35 games for the Bulls. He also shot a career-high 42.3%. Unfortunately, he has undergone numerous knee surgeries and hasn't been on the court since. At any rate, Ball appears to be moving in the right direction in the recovery process. But it will take time before he's ready for a full workload. Even then, the Bulls have Josh Giddey and Coby White, meaning Ball could struggle to find minutes.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams reportedly intends to sign a massive extension with the organization. The Bulls extended a qualifying offer to Williams, but it sounds like the two sides have agreed on a new deal. Williams intends to sign a five-year, $90 million contract to remain in Chicago long term. The Bulls have high hopes for Williams despite him only playing 43 games last season due to injury. At the moment, it seems unlikely that the Bulls are going to bring back DeMar DeRozan which should mean an increased role for Williams next season.

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith is expected to decline his $5.4 million player option for the 2024 season. This doesn't come as a surprise considering Smith should be able to earn much more than that in free agency. Smith posted career highs in field goal percentage and three-point percentage last season. He took a solid step forward during his fourth season and should have no shortage of suitors this offseason. Smith should be able to produce reliable fantasy value with basically any organization.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey is eager to get started with his new team and believes he can take his game to another level in the Windy City. "It was going to be hard to tap into my full potential, in my opinion, on a team like [Oklahoma City] with so many talented guys who needed the ball in their hands, who were great with the ball in their hands," Giddey said. "A change of scenery was going to maybe unlock more of that for me." Giddey's fantasy stock plummeted in 2023-24, but the 21-year-old should get plenty of opportunities to turn things around in Chicago.