The Chicago Bulls will waive forward Alfonzo McKinnie to clear a roster spot to sign free-agent center Tristan Thompson, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago on Saturday.
McKinnie signed a 10-day contract with the Bulls during its COVID-19 outbreak in early December, and was eventually inked to a standard contract the day after Christmas.
But after an impressive 16-point outing in his third game as a Bull, then a bout with COVID-19, the 6-foot-7 forward fell fast from Billy Donovan's rotation. His tenure ends with 17 appearances (three starts), and averages of 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds.
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Thompson, meanwhile, was waived by the Indiana Pacers on Thursday after being acquired from the Kings as part of the Tyrese Haliburton-Domantas Sabonis blockbuster. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told reporters Wednesday night — after Thompson posted 17 points, six rebounds and one block in a win over the Wizards — that the team intended to waive Thompson, and that the veteran center would sign with the Bulls.
That signing hasn't been finalized yet, but is expected to be soon. When McKinnie is officially released, and Thompson officially signs, the Bulls will be back at the roster cap of 15 players, meaning if they sign any other buyout candidates they would need to waive another player.
The Athletic's Shams Charania was the first to report the Bulls' intention to waive McKinnie.
NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson contributed
