Fansided

3 Chicago Bulls players who won’t be back next season

By Brad Berreman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Credit: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Credit: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

2. Cristiano Felicio

Since playing 60 games during the 2018-19 season, Feliciano has played just 40 games over the last two seasons. He has fallen completely out of the Bulls’ rotation, usurped by Luke Kornet and Daniel Gafford this past season. Over 18 games during the 2020-21 campaign, Feliciano played a total of 84 minutes.

The Bulls former front office regime of Gar Forman and John Paxson (unaffectionately known as “GarPax”) inexplicably gave Felicio a four-year, $32 million contract in 2017. Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic (subscription required) summed it up the current situation nicely (h/t to Heavy.com).

"One of the biggest miscalculations by previous management, Felicio was signed to a four-year, $32 million contract in the summer of 2017. He’s appeared in only 151 of a possible 294 games since, with averages of 4.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.1 blocks in 14.4 minutes per game. He’s been used only for emergencies or mop-up minutes. By all accounts, Felicio has been a hard worker and positive, team-first player throughout his tenure. But he’s soaked up precious cap space and a roster spot far too long. The day his contract expires is a day the Bulls have long awaited. It’s finally here."

By all accounts Feliciano is a fine person, and not playing hasn’t impacted his work ethic. He’s just not a very good basketball player, and the Bulls can finally let him go as he becomes a free agent this offseason.

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