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Mac McClung declines big overseas contracts to pursue NBA dream
The Bulls guard is turning down lucrative offers from EuroLeague and Chinese teams to keep chasing an NBA roster spot.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Mac McClung, a multi-time Slam Dunk Champion, has been trying to establish himself in the NBA for years. Despite receiving lucrative offers from overseas teams in the EuroLeague and China, McClung has chosen to continue pursuing his NBA dream, currently with the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old guard explained that money is not his driving force and that he is taking his NBA career "year by year" as he looks for consistent playing time at the highest level.
Why it matters
McClung's decision to forgo big overseas contracts in favor of chasing an NBA roster spot showcases his dedication to the game and his belief that he can make it in the world's premier basketball league. His story highlights the challenges young players face in trying to break through and the difficult choices they must make between financial security and pursuing their NBA aspirations.
The details
After going undrafted out of Texas Tech in 2021, McClung has bounced around the NBA, holding short-term stints with the Bulls, Lakers, 76ers, Magic, and Pacers. He has thrived in the G League, being named MVP in 2024, but has struggled to earn consistent playing time in the NBA. Despite receiving lucrative offers from EuroLeague and Chinese teams, McClung has chosen to keep grinding it out in the States, believing he can still make it in the NBA.
- McClung was named G League MVP in 2024.
- McClung has been in the NBA since the 2021-2022 season.
- This season, McClung has appeared in 4 games with the Bulls and Pacers.
The players
Mac McClung
A 24-year-old guard who has been trying to establish himself in the NBA after going undrafted in 2021. He has received lucrative offers from overseas teams but is choosing to continue pursuing his NBA dream.
Chicago Bulls
The NBA team that McClung is currently a part of as he continues to chase an NBA roster spot.
What they’re saying
“I take it year by year. It's something that I'll definitely consider throughout my career. I think this year, I really wanted to keep pursuing playing in the NBA, and that doesn't mean next year will be the same. It's a new year every year, and I've been really lucky to have a lot of Euroleague and Chinese teams offer me a lot of big contracts that it's been hard to turn down, but money is not a driving force for me, thank God.”
— Mac McClung, Bulls Guard (HoopsHype)
What’s next
McClung will continue to seek more playing time with the rebuilding Bulls, hoping to prove he belongs in the NBA and potentially earn a more permanent roster spot.
The takeaway
McClung's decision to turn down lucrative overseas offers in order to keep pursuing his NBA dream showcases his passion for the game and his belief that he can make it at the highest level. His story is a testament to the perseverance and determination required to break through in the NBA, even for talented players who may not have been drafted.
