Bulls Waive Drew Peterson Before 2026-27 NBA Season

The Chicago Bulls have waived Drew Peterson as they finalize their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season, ending the forward's latest attempt to secure a regular-season role. The former Boston Celtics champion was among four training-camp invitees released after Chicago concluded its preseason, with the team opting to preserve roster flexibility before its October 21 opener.

According to Hoops Rumors, the Bulls also waived Brandon Boston Jr., Jalen Bridges, and Orlando Robinson. All four players appeared in at least three preseason games, but none secured a place on Chicago's regular-season roster.

Sports Illustrated reported that Chicago completed the moves after its preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team had also signed Jordan Hawkins to its third and final two-way contract, leaving no two-way openings for the released players.

Peterson's departure follows a career that included an NBA championship with Boston in 2024. The Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, giving Peterson his first title. He also helped the Maine Celtics reach their first G League Finals appearance that year, according to NESN.

Peterson went undrafted in 2023 after five collegiate seasons at Rice and USC. He began his professional career in the Miami Heat's 2023 NBA Summer League program before joining their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

In December 2023, Peterson signed a two-way contract with Boston. He appeared in three NBA games during the 2023-24 season before playing 25 games in 2024-25, averaging 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game.

After his runs to the NBA and G League Finals, Peterson described the versatility he hoped to provide Boston. He outlined his goals and the range of responsibilities he expected to handle within the team.

"I'm trying to help be a primary ball handler for the team. Depending on who is here and who is not, I'm going to have to fill a multitude of roles. Boston expects me to be able to play four different positions on the court, so I'm looking to help in any way that I can." Peterson said.

Peterson signed another two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets for the 2025-26 season, but the team waived him in December 2025. The Libertyville, Illinois, native later joined Chicago on a training-camp contract ahead of the new season.

According to NESN, Peterson's career NBA averages stand at 2.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. He has shot 36.5 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from three-point range.

Chicago's roster strategy extends beyond the four cuts. Hoops Rumors reported that the Bulls plan to begin the season with 14 players on guaranteed standard contracts, keeping their 15th roster spot available despite having room to add another player.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network reported that the organization intends to maintain that flexibility. The open position could allow Chicago to pursue a trade or consider another player later in the season, while its three two-way contract slots are already filled.

The four waived players could pursue opportunities with the Windy City Bulls, Chicago's G League affiliate, if they do not find other NBA openings. Hoops Rumors reported that the affiliate acquired the returning rights to Peterson, Bridges, and Robinson during the offseason and could designate Boston as an affiliate player. Each player would be eligible for a $91,000 bonus by spending at least 60 days in the G League.