(670 The Score) Big man Daniel Theis quickly became a difference-maker and respected teammate during his time in Chicago after leaving the Celtcs, but it didn’t last long.
Theis is leaving the Bulls, having agreed to a four-year, $36-million deal with the Houston Rockets shortly after free agency opened Monday evening, ESPN reported. The Rockets will use an $8.28-million trade exception to fit Theis’ contract, and the deal will completed as a sign-and-trade, ESPN reported. That will create a trade exception for the Bulls to use down the line as well.
The Bulls acquired the 6-foot-8, 245-pound Theis from the Celtics in a trade in late March. While a bit undersized, he’s a relentless defender who can defend the pick-and-roll well and cover a decent amount of ground. Theis was productive in Chicago, but his exit wasn’t surprising as the Bulls anticipated him getting priced out of their comfortable range.
Theis, 29, averaged 9.6 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 54.1% overall and 32.2% from 3-point range in 65 games split between the Celtics and Bulls in the 2020-’21 season. He averaged 10.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in his 23 games with Chicago, starting 14 of them.