Huerter eyes long-term stay with Bulls as Chicago approaches pivotal offseason
huerter-bulls-future-buzelis-collins-dosunmu
CHICAGO — Guard Kevin Huerter said he hopes to remain with the Bulls beyond this season, even though his $18 million contract expires in July and Chicago could have at least six players hit free agency.
Acquired from Sacramento at last February’s trade deadline, the 27-year-old has become a key reserve during the club’s unexpected 6-2 start. Huerter is averaging 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 24.8 minutes while leading the team in plus-minus.
“I love the way we play here,” Huerter said. “It’s a fun brand and good energy to be a part of, and I feel like I’ll have a piece in that success and I’ll have a piece in the failure if it goes that way at this point.”
When the Bulls completed the multi-player deal nearly a week before last season’s deadline, Huerter, Tre Jones and Zach Collins were kept out of games and practices in case another move materialized. Huerter said that brief holding pattern gave him time to evaluate the organization and confirm the fit he wanted.
Development spotlight: Buzelis
Head coach Billy Donovan praised second-year forward Matas Buzelis for accepting defensive assignments against Giannis Antetokounmpo during Friday’s loss in Milwaukee. Although Antetokounmpo scored 41 points, Donovan said Buzelis’ willingness to compete and his year-over-year growth are encouraging. “Where he was a year ago today to where he is now is night and day,” the coach noted.
Injury updates
• Collins, who underwent surgery Oct. 14 for a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist, is scheduled for a CT scan this week. Donovan said the veteran big man has resumed workouts but still avoids passing or catching with the injured hand.
• Guard Ayo Dosunmu returned Friday after missing two games with a quad contusion. He was limited to 24 minutes to remain available for both ends of the back-to-back; Donovan expects the cap to be lifted after Saturday’s game.
Source: Hoops Rumors
