Bulls, Dalen Terry Not Engaged in Extension Talks
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The Chicago Bulls and swingman Dalen Terry have held no substantive negotiations on a rookie-scale contract extension, league sources told the Chicago Sun-Times. Without a new deal, the 23-year-old could finish the 2025-26 campaign and enter restricted free agency in 2026.
Terry is heading into the final season of the four-year, $15.4 million agreement he signed after being selected No. 18 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Under league rules, he remains eligible for a rookie-scale extension until Oct. 20. Chicago would have to issue a qualifying offer next summer to retain matching rights, a step that appears uncertain given his first three seasons.
Searching for a Consistent Role
The 6-foot-7 guard/forward has yet to secure a steady spot in head coach Billy Donovan’s rotation. Still, he logged career highs in 73 appearances last season, averaging 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 13.5 minutes.
“I think sometimes my mentality was messed up … I was being a little selfish,” Terry said recently. “For me to be successful in this league, I have to be the player that caters to the team.” He credited former teammate Alex Caruso for helping him define that approach.
New Number, Same Objective
Terry switched from jersey No. 25—chosen to honor Chicago high-school standout Benji Wilson—to No. 7 ahead of the upcoming season. “I was trying to be what people wanted me to be, and it’s time for me to be myself,” he told the Sun-Times.
The Arizona product said he models his game after Caruso, emphasizing defense and playmaking over scoring. “I have to hang my hat on the defensive end,” he added.
Looking Ahead
Chicago opens the 2025-26 regular season at home against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 22, a critical year for Terry as he attempts to solidify his NBA future.
Source: Basketball Insiders
