The Chicago Bulls appear set to let Dalen Terry play out the final year of his rookie contract, with no extension talks currently underway. The 23-year-old guard, the No. 18 pick in the 2022 draft, will enter restricted free agency next summer if no deal is reached.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls have made no serious effort to negotiate a contract extension with Terry. This leaves the guard responsible for showcasing his skills during the season to secure a future deal, either with Chicago or elsewhere in the NBA.
Terry emphasized the importance of this season for his development, comparing himself to former Bulls guard Alex Caruso. “They view it as I’m not a guy that scores 20, 30 points. Well, I got drafted to be like Alex Caruso: ‘OK, he can guard, he can do all the little things, he can be a connector.’ That’s what I strive to be this year,” he said.
The guard has focused on defensive impact, which has become a key part of his identity. In preseason games, Terry has guarded high-level players such as Donovan Mitchell and De’Andre Hunter, highlighting his versatility and potential as a lockdown defender.
Terry has gradually increased his role since joining the league. In 2024–25, he played 73 games, averaging 13.5 minutes, 4.5 points, and 1.7 rebounds per contest while shooting 35.6% from three-point range. His contributions remain more nuanced than scoring, emphasizing defense, passing, and team coordination.
As Terry enters the final year of his four-year, $15.4 million rookie scale deal, he faces a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate his value. Strong performances could either prompt the Bulls to pursue him in restricted free agency or attract interest from other teams seeking a versatile guard.
