10 Basketball Players who Played for Cavaliers and Bulls
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players who have played for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Cavaliers and the Bulls.
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in the history of the NBA. He was drafted 5th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2003 NBA Draft, a draft class that also featured players like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.
Wade spent the majority of his illustrious career with the Miami Heat, where he became a central figure in the team’s success over many years. Over his career, he was a 13-time NBA All-Star and earned a variety of awards including the 2006 NBA Finals MVP after leading the Heat to their first championship victory.
Wade also played pivotal roles in the Miami Heat’s back-to-back championship wins in 2012 and 2013, alongside LeBron James and Chris Bosh, forming a trio that became known as the “Big Three.”
Wade Key Stats
- All NBA (Heat)
- All-Star (Heat)
- NBA Champ (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Heat)
Carlos Boozer
Carlos Boozer spent 13 seasons in the NBA and was known for his scoring and rebounding ability. Boozer was drafted 35th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers out of Duke University, where he had won an NCAA championship.
After two seasons in Cleveland, he signed with the Utah Jazz. In Utah, alongside point guard Deron Williams, Boozer was a two-time NBA All-Star and a key figure in the team’s success. He was a part of the team that reached the Western Conference Finals in 2007.
After his stint with the Jazz, Boozer signed with the Chicago Bulls where he continued to be a solid contributor. He finished his NBA career with a season at the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014-15. Over his career, Boozer averaged 16.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Boozer Key Stats
- All-NBA (Jazz)
- All-Star (Jazz)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Jazz)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Cavaliers, Jazz)
Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson was selected 4th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2011 NBA Draft. He quickly became a mainstay in the Cavaliers’ rotation, with his ability to grab offensive rebounds and provide second-chance opportunities standing out.
In 2016, Thompson, along with LeBron James and the rest of the Cavaliers, won the NBA Championship, ending Cleveland’s 52-year professional sports title drought by defeating the Golden State Warriors. Thompson’s defensive efforts and ability to match up against various opponents played a crucial role during this championship run.
After nearly a decade with the Cavaliers, Thompson moved on to the Boston Celtics and then bounced around with multiple teams (Kings, Pacers, Bulls) during his final season in the league.
Thompson Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Cavs)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Cavs)
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose was selected as the first overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft. During his time with the Bulls, Rose earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors and became the youngest player in league history to win the Most Valuable Player award in the 2010-2011 season.
Unfortunately, Rose’s career was hindered by significant knee injuries, including a devastating ACL tear in 2012. Despite these setbacks, he managed to contribute valuable minutes with various teams such as the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Pistons.
While with the Timberwolves, Rose recorded a career-high 50-point game, and he later played a vital role in helping the Knicks reach the playoffs in the 2020-2021 season. His career is marked by incredible talent and resilience, making him one of the most memorable point guards of his generation.
Rose Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Bulls)
- MVP (Bulls)
- All-NBA (Bulls)
- All-Star (Bulls)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bulls, Pistons)
Kyle Korver
Kyle Korver was selected by the New Jersey Nets in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft, 51st overall, but was immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. The 6-foot-7 shooting guard and small forward played in the NBA for 17 seasons, with stints at the 76ers, Jazz, Bulls, Hawks, Cavaliers, and Bucks.
Korver was best known for his three-point shooting, consistently ranking among the league’s best in three-point percentage. He led the league in three-point percentage four times during his career and was named an NBA All-Star in 2015 while playing for the Hawks.
In his best season, he averaged 12.1 points per game with a 49.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond was selected as the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. Over the course of his career, he has played for several teams including the Pistons, Cavaliers, Lakers, 76ers, Nets and Bulls.
Drummond’s accomplishments include being named to the NBA All-Star team twice, leading the league in rebounding four times, and earning All-NBA Second Team honors in 2016.
His dominating presence in the paint, particularly as a rebounder, has made Drummond one of the most consistent big men in the league. His ability to score around the basket and alter shots defensively has contributed to his teams’ successes over the years.
Drummond Key Stats
- All-NBA (Pistons)
- All-Star (Pistons)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pistons, Cavs, Lakers, Nets)
Ben Wallace
Undrafted out of Virginia Union University, a Division II school, Ben Wallace began his NBA career with the Washington Bullets/Wizards before making a name for himself with the Pistons.
Wallace was best known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability. Despite standing at only 6’9″ — relatively short for a center — his tenacity, strength, and instincts helped him become one of the best defenders in the league. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award four times, a record he shares with Dikembe Mutombo.
As a Piston, he was a crucial part of the “Goin’ to Work” Pistons that won the NBA Championship in 2004. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and made five All-NBA teams. Despite not being a significant scoring threat, Wallace’s impact was undeniable. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Wallace Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Pistons, Wizards, Bulls, Magic, Cavaliers)
- All-NBA (Pistons)
- All-Star (Pistons)
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pistons, Bulls)
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 21st pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics. He quickly became a starter and vital component for the Celtics, helping them win the NBA championship in 2008 alongside the “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.
Rondo led the NBA in assists per game three times (2012, 2013, and 2016), and he’s recognized for his playoff performances, stepping up his game significantly in the postseason.
Rondo played for the Celtics until 2014, and since then he has had stints with the Mavericks, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, Lakers, and Hawks. His second NBA Championship came in 2020 with the Lakers, where his veteran experience and leadership proved pivotal.
Rondo Key Stats
- All-NBA (Celtics)
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Celtics, Lakers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Celtics, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans)
Luol Deng
Luol Deng was born in South Sudan and raised in the UK. Deng’s basketball journey began internationally before he moved to the U.S. to play high school basketball. He played one season of college basketball at Duke University before declaring for the NBA.
Deng was selected 7th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2004 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. In Chicago, he became a cornerstone of the team’s success, earning two All-Star selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.
After a decade with the Bulls, Deng had stints with several teams, including the Heat, Lakers, and Timberwolves. Beyond his on-court contributions, Deng was highly regarded for his humanitarian efforts, especially concerning refugees and communities affected by conflict.
Deng Key Stats
- All-Star (Bulls)
Robin Lopez
Robin Lopez was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2008 NBA Draft. In his early career with the Suns, Lopez provided reliable depth at the center position, known for his rim protection and rebounding.
His time in Phoenix was followed by a successful stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became a full-time starter and was appreciated for his defensive efforts and hard screens.
Lopez then had brief but impactful spells with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks, providing a steady inside presence and veteran leadership. In recent years, Lopez has continued to bounce around with multiple teams with varied levels of success.
