JULY 24: Bitim’s two-way deal is now official, per NBA.com’s transaction log.
JULY 21: Turkish guard/forward Onuralp Bitim has agreed to a two-way contract with the Bulls, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Bitim, 24, was a second-team EuroCup player for Bursaspor in Turkey last year and a Turkish League champion in 2019. He averaged 18.1 points and 3.2 assists in 18 EuroCup games last season.
Rumors regarding Bitim joining the Bulls on a two-way began percolating overseas shortly after the draft. However, he did not join the Bulls for Las Vegas Summer League and it was unknown whether he would join the team. The two sides apparently reached an agreement in the interim and now Bitim slots into the Bulls’ third and final two-way contract spot.
Rookie center Adama Sanogo joined the Bulls on a two-way contract after going undrafted out of UConn and forward Justin Lewis signed a two-year two-way deal toward the end of last season.
The Bulls also have 13 players on standard contracts. Carlik Jones‘ non-guaranteed salary of $1.9MM becomes partially guaranteed for $250K on the first day of the regular season, so the team has a pathway to another roster spot if he is waived by the start of next season. Additionally, the Bulls were granted a $10.2MM disabled player exception for the season-ending injury of Lonzo Ball, though it only generates cap flexibility, not an extra roster spot.
The Bulls still have Ayo Dosunmu‘s restricted free agency to handle as well as the possible returns of Javonte Green, Derrick Jones Jr. and/or Terry Taylor. Taylor spent last season in Chicago on a two-way deal, so Bitim’s signing makes his return less likely.
Looked at the Turkish player Bitim on Youtube. Looks very good. Don’t understand though. What’s wrong with just resigning Javonte Green? Green is an excellent player to have in the rotation. Super athletic, tough, versatile, proven. Unless there is something wrong with Green’s knee.
Thought that was something my dentist asked me to do
Yep this is the move that puts the Bulls over the top. Looking forward to seeing them all play for the Windy City Bulls. If I watched either of them that is, Either team.