R.J. Hunter reportedly to sign a one-year deal with the Bulls
While the details are still to be revealed, the former Boston Celtics shooting guard is to be signed for a one year deal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman.
Hunter, who recently lost the battle for the 15th and final roster spot, was waived by Boston this Monday, after failing to garner even a second-round pick on the trade market, to the surprise of many. Perhaps even more surprising, R.J. did not get picked up by a team on the waiver market, which would have enabled a team to retain the terms and years of Hunter’s rookie deal, which, under the current cap structure is a steal, with only one year at 1.2 million guaranteed plus another two years with a team option.
It’s likely the Bulls did not want to tie up even that small amount of cap space if Hunter could be had for less, and while the final terms remain to be seen, it’s likely to be for a similar number, though perhaps with a lesser (if any) guarantee. He should slot into the deep rotation shooting role held by recently-traded Tony Snell, who was replaced by notoriously poor shot Michael Carter-Williams. Chicago, the last remaining team with an open roster spot, was the subject of many a raised eyebrow for the Snell trade, but it may look less haphazard with Hunter likely to provide similar, if less seasoned shooting off the bench.
In an interesting twist, if the deal is completed soon enough, it’s possible Hunter may play the first game of the season with his new team against the team that let him go, when the Celtics play the Bulls tomorrow night at 8pm EST. Even if the deal does get done in time, it’s questionable a player of Hunter’s caliber will see floor time, but it’s something to watch for, nonetheless.
Hunter photo via Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
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