The Bulls made two transactions Friday, neither of them involving Nikola Mirotic.
The Bulls signed summer league star Antonio Blakeney to a two-way contract, a new provision in the latest collective bargaining agreement that allows a team to let a player split time between the franchise's NBA and G League teams.
The Bulls also claimed guard David Nwaba, whom the Lakers waived to create cap space to sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Both Blakeney and Nwaba are 6-foot-4 shooting guards and fit the organizational philosophy of trying to accumulate as many young assets as possible to see what pans out in this full rebuild.
Blakeney went undrafted after averaging 17.2 points in two seasons at LSU, including one with 2016 No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons. In averaging 16.8 points and five rebounds in the Bulls' first four summer league games, he displayed an ability to make big shots and get to the free-throw line.
Teams are allowed two two-way contracts in addition to their 15-man roster. Players can spend up to 45 days with the NBA club. In Blakeney's case, he will spend the rest of his time with the Windy City Bulls. The Bulls could convert his contract to an NBA deal if they want at any time.
And, yes, it's called the G League now after Gatorade sponsored what previously had been called the D League or Development League.
Nwaba's $1.3 million deal only becomes guaranteed if he's on the roster Jan. 10. He would be a restricted free agent next summer if he sticks.
A possessor of a 7-foot wingspan, Nwaba played in 20 games last season with two starts after the Lakers liked him at a G League tryout camp. His nickname is Mr. Dunk, and he also is known for aggressive defense. He averaged 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds in 19.9 minutes.
As for Mirotic, the Bulls' approach of waiting out the restricted free agent market has worked to this point. According to a league source, Mirotic's camp sought an annual salary near $16 million before free agency began.
The Bulls consistently have said publicly they want to retain the fourth-year forward. But it's clear they're trying to make Mirotic sign an offer sheet with another team if he wants a salary higher than the Bulls have slotted for him.
If Mirotic doesn't sign an offer sheet, it's possibly he could play next season on his $7.2 million qualifying offer and re-enter free agency unrestricted next summer.
The Bulls concluded their summer league play Friday night against the 76ers.
