Huertas’ averages of 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in only 16.4 minutes of playing time per night were not that special in his first and only season in the National Basketball Association so far, but his presence on the court and in the locker room said to have counted more than what the stats officially said.
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And now with Dwyane Wade on board, the Bulls off-loaded Calderon to one of the few teams that would actually willingly take on his services: the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t finished their free agency quest just yet, as they’ve made another move.
A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Dwyane Wade has chose to leave the Miami Heat and sign with the Chicago Bulls. Although 34 years old, Calderon is still an excellent outside shooter – he shot 41% on three-pointers last year and still touts an efficient mid-range jumpshot. Calderon’s career high in points per game is 12.8, but don’t expect that to change at his new team.
The Lakers have under $10 million left to spend on their payroll for next season after acquiring free agents Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng and re-signing Clarkson and Tarik Black.
Calderon is an 11-year veteran who played for four teams, never officially suiting up for Chicago.
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In order words, they still have the leeway to cover Calderon’s contract with the Bulls, which is about $7.7 million for the upcoming season. Nonetheless, his ability to run the point from off the bench will give the Lakers a veteran option atop the offense alongside presumed starter D’Angelo Russell and fellow veteran Jose Calderon. The point guard was traded to Chicago two weeks ago.
