The Chicago Bulls are signing free agent ahead Kenneth Lofton Jr. to a one-year contract, based on Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. Lofton, 22, will compete for a roster spot in coaching camp. He has performed 45 video games throughout two NBA seasons.
Free agent ahead Kenneth Lofton Jr. could have signed a non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract with the Chicago Bulls
Charania’s report means that it’s a non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract. By 45 profession NBA regular-season video games (one begin), Lofton has averaged 4.8 factors, 2.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and eight.3 minutes per contest whereas taking pictures 49.7% from the sector, 31.7% from past the arc, and 62.3% on the free throw line.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Lofton went undrafted in 2022 out of Louisiana Tech and signed a cope with the Memphis Grizzlies. In 24 video games (one begin) with Memphis in his rookie 2022-23 season, he averaged profession highs of 5.0 factors and a couple of.1 rebounds whereas taking pictures profession better of 52.7% from the ground and 35.3% from 3-point vary.
Free agent F/C Kenny Lofton Jr. is signing a one-year cope with the Chicago Bulls, sources inform @TheAthletic @Stadium. Lofton will compete for a roster spot in coaching camp. He has performed 45 video games throughout two NBA seasons. pic.twitter.com/2OXh9831ZI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 16, 2024
In Memphis’ 115-100 regular-season finale loss to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on April 9, 2023, he recorded a career-high 42 factors on 17-of-25 (68%) taking pictures from the sector and 8-of-12 (66.7%) on the foul line in 40 minutes as a starter.
Amongst NBA gamers to debut since begins had been first formally tracked in 1970-71, Lofton grew to become the primary to submit a 40-point, 10-rebound sport in his first profession begin. That may very well be one of many explanation why the Bulls introduced him in.
Chicago has 14 gamers signed to assured customary contracts
Nevertheless, the Grizzlies waived him on Dec. 18, 2023, after he averaged 2.6 factors, 1.0 rebound, and 6.6 minutes in 15 video games off the bench final season. Though Lofton went on to ink a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers 5 days later, he solely appeared in two video games for the Sixers.
His most spectacular stint was with the Utah Jazz this previous March. In simply 4 video games, he averaged 13.8 factors, 5.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 22.8 minutes per contest whereas taking pictures 60% from the ground, 33.3% from deep, and 81.8% on the line.
Utah minimize him final month earlier than his 2024-25 wage grew to become partially assured. The Bulls can use Lofton’s play-making talents to strengthen their frontcourt.
Amongst gamers to debut since begins had been first formally tracked in 1970-71, Kenneth Lofton Jr. is the primary to submit a 40-point, 10-rebound sport in his first profession begin. pic.twitter.com/UFbFP4lHk2
— ESPN Stats & Data (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 10, 2023
Moreover, the Bulls presently have 14 gamers signed to assured customary contracts. Onuralp Bitim is on a non-guaranteed deal. If Lofton performs effectively sufficient in coaching camp, he may grow to be the crew’s fifteenth man.
Chicago additionally has a two-way spot accessible. Although, Lofton would solely be eligible to have his contract transformed to a two-way deal if it consists of Exhibit 10 language.
