As reported by ESPN, Jabari Parker has been signed by the Chicago Bulls to a two-year $40 million contract. The Bulls snatched Parker up just moments after he became an unrestricted free agent earlier today. Although he's signed on for two years the Bulls have a team option in year two in case Parker's injury doesn't get better.
Parker was drafted in 2014 as the second overall pick and, ever since, has looked good when he's been on the court. Unfortunately, he's been off the court about as much as he's been on it, tearing his ACL for the second time in February 2017 after a great start to the season, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists–not bad for a 21-year-old.
The bulls plan to build a young team with Parker at its centre, along with big man Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine. The plan could work out, if Parker stays healthy and would certainly be a welcome change in the Bulls' fortunes, which have been up, down, hit-and-miss (but mostly miss) since another prospect's career was all but ended by an ACL injury.
The Parker deal comes amid a dust-storm of NBA singing news, from the new Lakers with Rajon Rondo, LeBron James and Lance Stephenson (who can hopefully refrain from blowing on Bron's cheek), to Kawhi Leonard possibly going to the Raptors (!), to Paul George being content to stay in OKC and play second fiddle to the manic and stylish Russell Westbrook. Hopefully Jabari stays healthy.