The Chicago Bulls made headlines this week with the surprising decision to waive undrafted rookie shooting guard Wooga Poplar just before the start of training camp. While the move may seem abrupt to fans, a closer look at the details of Poplar’s contract reveals why this outcome was not entirely unexpected—and sheds light on the Bulls’ broader strategy for the upcoming season.
The Contract That Sealed Poplar’s Fate
Wooga Poplar, a 6-foot-5 wing who transferred to Villanova for his senior year after three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes, was signed to an Exhibit 10 training camp deal by the Bulls. This type of contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum-salary agreement, often used by NBA teams to bring in players for training camp with minimal financial risk. The key detail? These contracts allow teams to cut players before the regular season without any cap hit, making them a low-stakes way to evaluate talent.
For Poplar, the Exhibit 10 deal was a double-edged sword. While it gave him a shot to compete for a roster spot, it also meant his position with the Bulls was precarious from the start. The non-guaranteed nature of the contract allowed Chicago to release him without financial penalty, a move that aligns with the team’s cautious, cost-conscious approach under president Arturas Karnisovas. According to the league’s player transaction log, this was always the “likeliest outcome” for Poplar, as teams often use Exhibit 10 deals to funnel players to their G League affiliates rather than retain them on the main roster.
Poplar’s Path Forward: A G League Opportunity
While being waived might seem like a setback, Poplar’s journey is far from over. The structure of his Exhibit 10 contract includes a potential silver lining: a pathway to the Bulls’ G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. If Poplar signs an affiliate deal with the Windy City Bulls and remains with the team for at least 60 days, he becomes eligible for a bonus of up to $85,300. This incentive is a common feature of Exhibit 10 deals, designed to encourage players to stay within the organization’s development system.
Poplar’s performance at Villanova suggests he has the potential to thrive in the G League. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged an impressive 15.3 points per game on .460/.387/.856 shooting splits, alongside 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. His versatility as a wing earned him All-Big East Third Team honors, making him a promising candidate for further development in the G League. For the Bulls, this move allows them to retain access to Poplar’s potential without committing a roster spot, a classic move in their low-key roster-building strategy.
The Bulls’ Bigger Picture: A Soft Rebuild in Motion
The decision to waive Poplar is just one piece of a broader pattern for the Bulls, who have spent the offseason making understated moves while avoiding major splashes. Chicago’s summer included drafting 6-foot-10 forward Noah Essengue at No. 12 and center Lachlan Olbrich at No. 55, trading Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers for wing Isaac Okoro, and securing long-term deals for Josh Giddey (four years, $100 million) and Tre Jones (three years, $24 million). These moves reflect a team committed to a “soft rebuild”—building a roster that is competitive enough to hover around the play-in tournament but not strong enough to contend for a championship or tank for a high draft pick.
With Poplar’s release, the Bulls now have just two players on Exhibit 10 deals: former University of Missouri guard Caleb Grill and former University of Pittsburgh big man Mouhamadou Gueye. Meanwhile, their three two-way contract slots are filled by Emanuel Miller, Lachlan Olbrich, and Yuki Kawamura. This leaves little room for Poplar on the main roster, especially as the team prioritizes its current core and recent acquisitions.
Why the Release Was “Shocking” but Strategic
For fans, Poplar’s release may feel like a missed opportunity to add a talented young player to an already thin roster. His college stats and athletic profile suggested he could have been a valuable depth piece. However, the Bulls’ front office appears to be playing a longer game, prioritizing flexibility and development over immediate contributions. By waiving Poplar, they avoid committing to a player who might not fit their immediate needs while keeping him in their system via the G League.
The “shocking” nature of the move lies in its timing—just before training camp—and the fact that Poplar’s Exhibit 10 deal was structured to make this outcome almost inevitable. For a team like the Bulls, who have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons and finished last year at 39-43, every roster decision is a calculated step. Poplar’s release underscores their preference for maintaining roster flexibility while investing in players they can develop on their own terms.
As Poplar transitions to the G League, he has a chance to prove himself and potentially earn a call-up to the Bulls or another NBA team. His size, shooting ability, and defensive instincts make him a player to watch in the Windy City Bulls’ lineup. For now, his release serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of NBA roster management, where even promising talents like Poplar must navigate the fine print of contracts like the Exhibit 10 to secure their place in the league.
The Bulls, meanwhile, head into training camp with a roster that reflects their cautious approach: not bad enough to tank, not good enough to contend, but just good enough to keep fans hoping for something more.