Chicago Bulls Player Sends Out Heartfelt Post After Getting Released

The Chicago Bulls waived Onuralp Bitim before the 2024-25 NBA season.

Mar 18, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Onuralp Bitim (17) celebrates after scoring against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Onuralp Bitim is coming off his rookie year in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls.

He finished the season with averages of 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds per contest while shooting 38.1% from the field and 27.3% from the three-point range in 23 games.

On Thursday, the Bulls announced that they have waived Bitim.

Via The Chicago Bulls: "Transactions: We have waived Onuralp Bitim & Kenneth Lofton Jr.

Thank you for your hard work and best of luck."

Transactions: We have waived Onuralp Bitim & Kenneth Lofton Jr.

Thank you for your hard work and best of luck. pic.twitter.com/uRbv1hGSmx

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 17, 2024

Following the news, Bitim sent out a heartfelt social media post.

Bitim's first post: "This is the place where my childhood dreams came to life. Chicago, you made me feel at home every single moment. Chicago Bulls, you granted me the privilege of training where my childhood hero, MJ, once trained, and playing basketball in the same iconic arena."

Bitim's second post: "I am deeply grateful for everything I experienced here and these moments will forever be among the most treasured memories of my life. Now it’s time to say “Goodbye”. You will always have a unique and irreplaceable place in my heart. Thank you. ❤️ #OB1"

I am deeply grateful for everything I experienced here and these moments will forever be among the most treasured memories of my life. Now it’s time to say “Goodbye”. You will always have a unique and irreplaceable place in my heart. Thank you. ❤️ #OB1 pic.twitter.com/J7jnv6xivj

— Onuralp Bitim (@OnuralpBitim) October 18, 2024

The Bulls will play their first game of the 2024-25 season on October 23 when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans.

Last season, they lost to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament, so they missed the NBA playoffs for the second straight year.

Mar 18, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Onuralp Bitim (17) shoots and scores against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

In addition to his time with Chicago, Bitim also spent part of last year in the G League.

Onuralp Bitim is an intriguing player despite his time potentially* coming to an end in Chicago. Assuming they don’t re-up him at NBAGL-Windy City.

Sharpshooting Wing/Forward with surprisingly sound overall basketball ability. He’ll be able to land on his feet somewhere.

— Ben Sig (@sig_50) October 17, 2024