{"id":808007,"date":"2026-08-09T14:54:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T14:54:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/808007\/"},"modified":"2026-08-09T14:54:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T14:54:11","slug":"the-nba-isnt-paying-1-d-scorers-anymore-and-neither-should-the-chicago-bulls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/808007\/","title":{"rendered":"The NBA isn\u2019t paying 1-D scorers anymore, and neither should the Chicago Bulls"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the last ten years, dating back to 2016, there has been a methodical evolution in the gameplay and player economics of the NBA. \u00a0 Isolation scoring, with emphasis on the midrange, has given way to prioritizing three-point shots, rim attempts, and transition offense.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

If half-court offensive possession must occur, they are predominantly pick-and-roll actions seeking the best matchup or open shot for the offense.\u00a0 Team offensive concepts and multi-skilled players are what the NBA values in 2026, and these values have recalibrated the financial value of a player archetype that once was a staple of NBA rosters, \u201cscorers\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Evan<\/p>\n

Jan 24, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) drives to the basket as Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

For additional context, we\u2019re talking about the scorer who does nothing else but score.\u00a0 Remember guard Evan Fournier extending with the Orlando Magic on a five-year, $85 million fully guaranteed deal in 2016?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Or the 2017 restricted free agency (RFA) gold rush for forward Otto Porter Jr. that resulted in Porter Jr. earning a four-year $106.5 million max contract from the Washington Wizards, who matched a Brooklyn Nets max offer sheet for Porter Jr.\u00a0 Those same Wizards once gave forward Davis Bertans a five-year $80 million contract in 2020.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Forward John Collins was handsomely rewarded by the Atlanta Hawks for dunking on Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid in the 2021 NBA Playoffs with a five-year, $125 million fully guaranteed contract.<\/p>\n

Enter the 2023 NBA-NBPA CBA<\/p>\n

The NBA\u2019s scoring-fueled salary gravy train derailed once the 2023 NBA-NBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement took effect in July 2023.\u00a0\u00a0The salary cap has grown since 2023 buy the salary cap pie slices for “scorers” are shrinking year over year.<\/p>\n

By the 2025 NBA offseason, a contrasting Brooklyn Nets restricted free agency posture with guard Cameron Thomas became a daily soap opera that resolved with the guard accepting his one-year $6 million qualifying offer, only to be waived by the Nets at the conclusion of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Cam<\/p>\n

Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Subsequently, Thomas signed a rest-of-season minimum contract with the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb 08, 2026, only to dubiously exit the franchise after 18 games, when the Bucks waived Thomas on Mar 23, 2026.\u00a0 Barring a late offseason stroke of luck, Thomas may be out of the NBA altogether for the 2026-27 NBA season.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Also, let\u2019s not forget the ongoing 2026 free agency mystery of Thomas\u2019 fellow 2025 restricted free agency classmate, forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is still in search of a new NBA home.<\/p>\n

The Bulls don\u2019t need a scorer today or tomorrow<\/p>\n

2026 restricted free-agent guard Bennedict Mathurin is unfortunately the heir to an emerging tradition<\/a> of flawed players getting their salary and future NBA opportunity put through the sausage grinder that is the NBA restricted free agency process.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Bennedict<\/p>\n

Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

The process that some players likely don\u2019t trust is exerting maximum market pressure on players who fail to find a contract extension before the start of the annual restricted free agency process.<\/p>\n

\u201cScorers\u201d are becoming a restricted-free agent market trend between Thomas, Kuminga, and Mathurin, and this should be a clear signal to the Chicago Bulls to completely avoid this player profile.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Jonathan<\/p>\n

Apr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) is defended by New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Peer franchises have no qualms about letting these sorts of players coast into an unforgiving market-setting process on their second contract or losing the player outright on the whim of another franchise tossing an outlier offer sheet price to their RFA.<\/p>\n

What the Chicago Bulls need now and for the foreseeable future is top-tier talent, skilled decision makers at every position<\/a>, and players who are positive additions to a collective team defense.\u00a0 Once that foundation is established, then the Bulls should focus on niche, commoditized needs such as scoring.<\/p>\n

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