Kenneth Lofton Jr., who played between the Grizzlies, 76ers and Jazz last season, will have a chance to find a spot in Chicago this season.
The Bulls signed Lofton to a 10-year exhibition contract, a first in history reported Shams Charnia of The AthleticWhile that report didn’t specify the details of the contract, the NBA’s transaction log showed it was a Showcase 10 deal, which is a training camp contract with a bonus if Lofton signs with the Windy City Bulls, Chicago’s G-League team.
Lofton could make the regular season roster, but it’s unlikely. The Bulls have 14 players under guaranteed contracts plus Onuralp Bitim under non-guaranteed contracts, meaning Lofton would have to beat out Bitim and prove he deserves a spot on the final roster.
Lofton is an old-school power forward who played for Utah in Summer League this year, where in four games he averaged 6.5 points per game on 31.3 percent shooting and 4.3 rebounds per game. Those aren’t exactly impressive numbers, but Lofton is capable of having a big game.
Lofton was a standout in the G-League last year, playing for Delaware and Utah and making the All-NBA G-League First Team while averaging 25.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He also had a few games for the Jazz late in the season.
The Bulls are expected to start Patrick Williams at the 4 and have rookie Matas Buzelis and veteran Torrey Craig behind him. If Lofton has a great camp, he could earn the No. 15 spot on Chicago’s roster, but he has his work cut out for him.
