Chicago Bulls ‘willing to waive Tony Bradley to add Patrick Beverley to roster’ as Chicago native moves closer to dream return to hometown
The Chicago Bulls are expected to sign veteran free agent Patrick Beverley after the guard agreed to a contract buyout from the Orlando Magic.
The 34-year-old Chicago native is set to take a roster spot with the Bulls at the expense of young center Tony Bradley, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
“There are still teams in the market for a backup center, and Bradley could end up with a landing spot this season,” NBA Insider added.
Bradley, 25, played in just 12 games for the Bulls this season, averaging 1.6 points, 0.1 blocks and 0.9 rebounds per game.
For Beverly, it’s a return to his hometown. The former Lakers, Clippers, Timberwolves and Rockets guard has always welcomed the possibility of returning to his roots after previously saying he “bleeds” Chicago.
The Chicago Bulls are expected to waive Tony Bradley (R) to add Pat Beverley (L) to their roster.
Before coming to the NBA, Beverley once tweeted his willingness to play for the Bulls in 2012
“I’m Chicago. I’m from Chicago. I bleed Chicago. I really believe I can help the city. I think I can save the city,” Beverly said in a 2019 interview with the Chicago Tribune.
“I’m already inspiring. And I would be a big inspiration just walking around the city of Chicago, knowing that I’m from there, knowing that somebody made it and you can go and do the same.”
Before coming to the NBA in 2013, Beverley also tweeted his excitement to play for his boyhood team in 2012: “I just got this feeling, I want to play for the bulls!!!”
The second round pick in the 2009 NBA draft even claimed that he chose to join the Bulls over the Golden State Warriors, the defending NBA champions.
“If you think I went hard for other teams, just imagine how I’m going to go hard for this one,” Beverley told NBC Sports Chicago, adding, “You know me, I’m going to be on Zach LaVine’s ass.”
“I will give him all the energy he needs. Destroy people. Me and DeMar DeRozan, we’re good. I gave Nikola Vucevic a high five. I’m excited man, I’m excited.’
Beverley, who grew up on Chicago’s West Side, started 45 times for the Lakers this season, averaging 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game on 40 percent shooting.
Recently, the Bulls are 11th in the East – a seed just below the play-in spots. The Bulls need a frontcourt after Lonzo Ball’s extended injury absence.
Chicago was in search of an experienced point guard to replace injury-prone Lonzo Ball