The Chicago Bulls' G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, have traded for guard Drew Peterson from the Motor City Cruise. This move comes just a week before NBA training camps begin and could signal the Bulls' intent to use their final two-way contract on the 26-year-old shooter. The team is looking to bounce back after a tough end to the 2025-26 season, which concluded with a 149-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 13, 2026.
In exchange for Peterson, the Bulls sent Lucas Williamson, Taylor Braun, and a 2027 G League first-round pick originally from the Valley Suns to the Cruise. While G League trades rarely impact the NBA roster, new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham has been active in reshaping the Windy City Bulls' infrastructure. He hired a new G League GM, Josh Malone, and recently replaced head coach Billy Donovan III with former NBA veteran Quincy Pondexter.
Drew Peterson brings a specific skill set the Chicago Bulls desperately need: perimeter shooting. Peterson, a 6'9" guard, has shown he can be a high-volume three-point shooter. During the 2024-25 G League season, he attempted 10.4 threes per game and connected on a stellar 40.4 percent of them.
His well-rounded game is also appealing. In 26 regular-season games with the Motor City Cruise last season, Peterson averaged 14.9 points, 6.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. He is a crafty ball-handler and passer for his size, offering more than just spot-up shooting. Peterson has NBA experience too, appearing in 25 games for the Boston Celtics in 2024-25 and winning a championship with them that season.
Executive Bryson Graham has stated his primary focus is building a strong culture from the ground up. Using the G League affiliate as a true talent evaluation tool, rather than just a holding pen, represents a shift in philosophy. Acquiring Peterson for multiple assets suggests the Bulls see genuine potential. Graham has not expressed major concern about the team's lack of shooters publicly, but actions speak louder than words.
This trade indicates a practical approach to team building. Developing talent requires playing sound basketball, and spacing the floor with shooters is essential in the modern NBA. Peterson's profile fits that need perfectly. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming roster decisions on our official roster page.
The immediate question is whether the Chicago Bulls will convert this G League acquisition into an NBA two-way contract. Peterson began last season on a two-way deal with the Charlotte Hornets, appearing in six games before being waived in December 2025. He would be eligible for one of the Bulls' three two-way slots, with one presumably still open.
His performance in training camp and the preseason will be critical. If he earns a two-way deal, Peterson will likely split time between Chicago and Windy City, providing depth and a specialist skill. This move is a low-risk, high-reward gamble for a franchise clearly exploring every avenue to improve.
