This past Summer, Jabari Parker inked a two-year $40 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. That said, it's become highly unlikely that the Bulls would exercise the team option on the second year of his deal.
On Thursday night, just 29 games into his contract, Parker saw just four minutes of action and has reportedly lost his spot in the rotation.
Ahead of Thursday's game in Mexico City, which the Bulls lost to Orlando 97-91, ESPN's Malika Andrews reported that the 23-year old forward would no longer be apart of the Bulls rotation. That belief was confirmed as Jabari went scoreless in four minutes and did not see the floor in the second half.
After the game, Bulls head coach Jim Boylen explained, "It's also hard to play three 4s. It's difficult to do that."
"Going forward, he's part of our team, and it's not about the individual, it's about the team. It's about playing your minutes the best you can," Boylen said, per ESPN. "We'll see what his minutes are going forward."
Parker, who grew up in Chicago and played his high school ball at the famed Simeon Career Academy, says he was surprised by the move. "It is a surprise because I did everything I could in the time I was given," Parker said, per ESPN. "But it is what it is. You can't pout. You just got to keep moving."
So far this season, Parker is averaging 15.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. The Bulls have dropped to 6-23 on the season.