The Chicago Bulls have gone 9-2 over their last 11 outings, have boasted four straight wins over Western Conference playoff foes, and are fresh off a buzzer-beating victory over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. While Josh Giddey and Coby White have been awarded the majority of the attention from the newly found success brewing in Chicago, and rightfully so, there have been several other key contributors. One of the most quietly essential role players who has been fueling their latest brand of high-level basketball is not getting enough hype or acknowledgment.
Kevin Huerter Is Becoming An Asset
When the Bulls initially traded away Zach LaVine, many thought the package of Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and Kevin Huerter was insignificant and lacked value. Since all three are on contracts that expire this or next summer, none have separated themselves as starting-caliber players, and the trio has bounced around the league, they were quickly written off. During the Bulls’ small winning spree, Huerter’s three-point shooting was one of the most crucial elements that helped to keep them in the right direction.
Kevin Huerter’s last 10 games:
15.3 PPG
4.3 REB
3.4 AST
+/- total of +106Quietly been one of the Bulls’ best players not named Josh or Coby pic.twitter.com/JAltjFMYlt
— BullsMuse (@bullsmuse) March 28, 2025
The sharpshooting guard’s consistent scoring and deep threat have provided a stable offensive element beyond Giddey and White. As he noted in an interview a few weeks ago, Chicago’s pace of play and unselfish nature are a perfect fit for his style of play, hoisting three-point shots and running in transition.
Headed Out Next Summer
Huerter’s contract is through next season when he will hit unrestricted free agency. At that time, barring a massive contract extension to stay in town, it’s likely that he will go to a contending roster. If Chicago is wise, they’ll dangle him in trade talks this offseason and pull the trigger on the highest-bidding playoff team next February during the trade deadline firesale. Playoff rosters constantly want to add three-point shooting specialists for more depth before a title push.
The Chicago Bulls are looking to trade Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter and Tre Jones, per @MikeAScotto pic.twitter.com/X0TyAqlebF
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 5, 2025
Although Arturas Karnisovas could not execute any trades for this trio before last month’s cutoff, it’s a good indicator that he’ll sell them either this summer or by next year’s deadline. Due to the recent correlation between his three-point shooting ability and the success in the win column, do they reconsider bringing back the 26-year-old beyond his current contract? He’ll be close to $20 million annually to extend beyond the 2026 campaign.
Pay the players who perform not those who are supposed to perform.