Raptors close to signing Lucas III

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Steve Wojcik
CSNChicago.com

The Bulls already lost their backup point guard last week when C.J. Watson agreed to a two-year deal to join the New Jersey Nets, and now it looks like Watson's backup is also on his way out of town.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported the Toronto Raptors and John Lucas III are in "advanced discussions to finalize the terms of a multi-year deal" to bring the 29-year-old point guard to Canada to serve as Kyle Lowry's primary backup.

Once the Bulls drafted Marquis Teague, it became apparent that Lucas III's future with the team was up in the air, and after coming to terms on a two-year deal with former Bull Kirk Hinrich, it became even more evident that Lucas III had likely played his final game with Chicago.

In a 2011-12 season marred by injuries to the Bulls' backcourt, Lucas III was one of the few guards who was able to maintain his health throughout the season. He averaged 7.5 points and 2.2 assists in 14.8 minutes per game, which includes a pair of 25-point performances, one in January vs. Washington and another in April against the Cavaliers.

After the season, it was clear that Lucas III's play had likely earned him a pay raise and a spot in a rotation. Unfortunately, that rotation will probably not belong to Tom Thibodeau.

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