Bulls to re-sign forward Derrick Jones Jr.

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The Chicago Bulls are re-signing reserve forward Derrick Jones Jr., NBC Sports Chicago confirmed Friday morning.

The Athletic's Shams Charania — who says Jones Jr.'s deal is for two years, $6.6 million and has a player option for the second season — was first to report the two sides' agreement.

Jones Jr. came to the Bulls as part of last summer's three-team sign-and-trade centered around Lauri Markkanen. He appeared in 51 games for the Bulls in 2021-22 (8 starts), averaging 5.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and shooting a career-best 32.8 percent from 3-point range.

Jones Jr.'s biggest impact, though, came at the defensive end, where he split time at backup power forward and center despite standing 6-foot-5. His 7-0 wingspan and high activity level make him a disruptive presence in the frontcourt.

The move comes hours after it was reported by multiple outlets that free-agent forward Danilo Gallinari intends to sign with the reigning Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. The Bulls had been in pursuit of Gallinari, who would have added a scoring punch to their second unit.

Instead, Jones Jr. returns. His signing brings the Bulls to 14 roster spots.

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