The Chicago Bulls on Tuesday officially added local product Patrick Beverley after a buyout from the Orlando Magic.
But in order to sign Beverley, the Bulls needed to clear a roster space.
And the front office released center Tony Bradley, who played in just 12 games, averaging 1.6 points and 0.9 rebounds per game.
For Beverley it's a home coming. He has flirted with joining the Bulls in the past, including saying "I bleed Chicago" in an interview.
"I am Chicago. I’m from Chicago. I bleed Chicago. I really think I can help the city. I think I can save the city,” Beverley said in a 2019 interview with the Chicago Tribune. “I inspire already. And I’d be a great inspiration just walking around the city of Chicago, knowing I’m from there, knowing that someone made it out and you can go and do the same."
Beverley, a Chicago native, started all 45 games he played this year for Los Angeles, averaging 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists on a 40/35/78 shooting split.
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He could provide the defense the Bulls are missing, while also pushing the pace. He won't takeaway scoring opportunities from the team's stars Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vučević.
He's also very vocal and tries to get in the defense's head, which could give the Bulls a edge they seemingly lack.
He arguably fits better than Russell Westbrook would've, a name frequently linked to Chicago on post-trade deadline buyout market.