Former Bulls Wing Still Unemployed After First Week of Free Agency

This ex-Chicago veteran isn't having much luck this summer.
Former Chicago Bulls forward Talen Horton-Tucker (22) reacts after he fouls Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (not pictured) during the second half at United Center.
Former Chicago Bulls forward Talen Horton-Tucker (22) reacts after he fouls Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (not pictured) during the second half at United Center. | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls' performance in the early NBA offseason hasn't exactly generated much buzz. The first week of free-agent moves saw the Bulls re-sign Tre Jones and Emmanuel Miller, who are the team's only summertime additions outside of trading Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaac Okoro.

In other words, it hasn't been the most inspiring performance from a team that's missed the NBA playoffs in three consecutive seasons.

As the 2025 offseason continues, Bulls fans are taking some time to survey how the summer is progressing for various ex-Chicago players. One former Bull is having a tougher time than some of his old teammates as he remains unsigned following the first week of NBA free agency.

Former Bulls Wing Talen Horton-Tucker is Still Unemployed After 1st Week of Free Agency

Veteran wing Talen Horton-Tucker is one former Bulls player who's desperately looking for a new home this NBA offseason. A former 2019 second-round pick, Horton-Tucker's NBA career saw him spend time with the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz before signing a one-year contract with Chicago just over a month before the 2024-25 campaign began.

Horton-Tucker played exclusively in a reserve role as he came off the bench for all 58 of his appearances, playing 12.5 minutes per night. The former Iowa State product didn't make the most of his limited opportunities, averaging only 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 45.7% from the field and 33.6% from distance.

Now, Horton-Tucker is back looking for another team, and it's safe to say he'll need a convincing argument to get signed. Although he can drive to the basket decently at times while generating the occasional steal, his lackluster shot creation is the biggest reason why he's struggled to find a permanent home, especially when most of today's NBA teams require players to be reliable shooters.

Having played 50-plus games in each of the last five seasons, Horton-Tucker likely has too much experience to go the entire NBA offseason unsigned. At the same time, his next playing opportunity might not materialize until a wing-related injury occurs or another team's roster situation is dire enough to sign him, meaning the former Bull might have some more waiting to do.

It's never fun to watch a player go unsigned for long, even if they didn't make the biggest impact in the Windy City. Hopefully, Horton-Tucker finds a new job before the summer is over, as Bulls fans wish him nothing but the best of luck in his search.

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