The Chicago Bulls are headed to the lottery once again. Another frustrating season that was wasted in the incomprehensible chase for the eighth seed came to a disappointing end on Wednesday as the Miami Heat ran the Bulls off the gym at United Center.
Chicago's refusal to embrace tanking has cost them another year. Not only are they far away from being a real playoff team, but they will also be picking 12th in the 2025 NFL Draft, limiting the upside of the prospect they can select.
After the embarrassing end to the season, we may have seen a few players for the last time in a Bulls uniform. Let's take a look at who is likely not going to be back next season.
1. Tre Jones
Jones missed Wednesday night's play-in game, and his absence was felt in a big way.
The Bulls are very guard-heavy, but none of them can defend the way Jones does. Against the Heat, Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Kevin Huerter all got exposed defensively as Tyler Herro went to the basket over and over without facing any resistance.
Jones may not be a world-beater on either end of the floor, but he is a serviceable guard that can hold his own on the perimeter.
While the Bulls would ideally want to bring him back, they will find it difficult to do so. Jones' contract expires this summer, and the Bulls have other priorities. Not only do they have to give Josh Giddey a massive extension, but they also have other holes to fill before retaining Jones.
Behind Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Lonzo Ball, there isn't much room in the rotation for Jones when everyone is healthy. Jones will demand an eight-figure annual salary in a multi-year deal, and the Bulls are likely better off using those resources elsewhere.