© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick Jones Jr. says he's picking up his player option and returning to the Chicago Bulls
There is much uncertainty surrounding the Chicago Bulls these days. In between the availability of point guard Lonzo Ball for next season and beyond, to the free-agent status of Nikola Vucevic and Coby White, there are plenty of questions to be answered. But one thing that is certain is the return of Derrick Jones Jr. after he recently said that he's picking up his 2023-2024 player option worth $3.3 million with Chicago.
Committed for another year
Although a lot can still happen between April and June, when the wheeling and dealing kick-off, the high-leaping forward is convinced Chicago is the best place for him and his career.
"Like I told coach (Billy Donovan) and everybody else, I'm locked in for two years. I didn't sign for two years for no reason. So I'm here for two years," Jones Jr. said. "I just gotta sit down with my agent and talk to him, figure things out. But I don't see why not. I got no other plans, yet."
Although the former slam-dunk champion played fewer minutes, his contributions remained impactful, especially on the defensive end of the floor. This was never more obvious than in a win against the Philadelphia 76ers when the long-armed forward swatted away James Harden's potential game-tying basket.
Grown into his role
The numbers certainly don't stand out, as Jones averaged just 5.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in just 14 minutes of action. However, the UNLV product said he loves the vibe in the Bulls' locker room and believes in the franchise's direction.
"I just love being with these guys. I know my role isn't always what I want it to be. I've been through a few injuries that might've set me back a little bit. I feel like a healthy DJ for all 82 is very special," Jones said. "But I feel like I've played well when given minutes. I've done everything I can do with the role that I was given. Sometimes, I need to be a little more aggressive offensively. But defensively, I just do what I do."
