The Chicago Bulls will begin the 2026-27 season on Wednesday, October 21, on the road against the Toronto Raptors. Of all the storylines, Noa Essengue's path forward isn't getting the spotlight.
However, the Bulls see real value in Essengue, as evidenced by exercising a team option on him and Matas Buzelis on Tuesday.
The deal enables Essengue to earn around $5.97 million through the 2027-28 season. The deal also includes another team option valued at around $8.23 million for the 2028-29 season.
Altogether, Essengue is a low-risk asset for the Bulls, and the deal protects them from losing him for nothing. If he doesn't break through, the Bulls can use his guaranteed contract for a future trade.
Essengue is entering his 2nd season with the Bulls and hopes to complete a full season. Last year, Essengue sustained a shoulder injury that required surgery afterward, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. Overall, he played in 2 games before joining the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League. He played in 4 games averaging 23.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Coming into this season, Essenuge has something to prove. He will likely be relegated to vying for rotation minutes off the bench. Head coach Tiago Splitter has criticized Essenuge's physicality, which adds pressure on him to perform.
While in the G League, Essengue grew to 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan.
In the NBA Summer League in July, Essengue averaged 6.5 to 8.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
Whatever happens from here, it is clear the Bulls see Essengue's potential to stick around if he can do the job and stay healthy.