Bulls Converting Camp Invitee EJ Liddell To Two-Way Deal

The Bulls are converting the contract of forward E.J. Liddell, from an Exhibit 10 training camp deal to a two-way deal, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Liddell is 6-foot-7 and starred at Ohio State before being drafted by the Pelicans with the 41st pick of the 2022 draft. He then tore his ACL, missing his entire rookie season, and has been battling his way back since. But scouts love his upside, and apparently, the Bulls like it, too.

Liddell had a whirlwind offseason, finding himself traded not once, but twice. Initially, he was a part of the Dejounte Murray trade that sent him to the Hawks, but it didn’t take long for him to be on the move again.

The Hawks shipped him off to the Suns as part of a salary dump, with Phoenix getting rid of some extra weight as they worked to retool their roster. In that deal, former first-round pick David Roddy ended up in Atlanta, but Liddell’s stint with the Suns was short-lived, as they waived him just days later.

Now, Liddell is looking for an opportunity to prove himself. It’s a far cry from the expectations of being a highly regarded draft prospect, but this is his chance to show he can contribute in the league.

Chicago may not be the final stop, but for Liddell, just getting a foot in the door could lead to something bigger. His journey is a reminder of the volatile nature of the NBA — one day you’re part of a major trade, the next you’re fighting for a roster spot.

An Exhibit 10 contract is a non-guaranteed minimum-salary deal. It doesn’t count toward a team’s cap unless the player makes the final roster.

It also can be converted to a two-way deal — as is the case with Liddell — before the season begins or mean guaranteed money if a player is waived and then stays on the G League club for at least 60 days.