Former Suns, Bulls Guard Tyler Ulis Signs Reported 1-Year Contract with Kings

Tyler Ulis has signed with the Sacramento Kings, the team announced Tuesday. 

ABC10's Sean Cunningham reported the deal is for one year and worth $1.67 million, part of which is guaranteed.

It's sort of a full-circle moment for Ulis, who according to NBC Sports Bay Area's James Ham had worked out in Sacramento last season but opted to sign as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors. 

The 23-year-old guard appeared in four games with the Warriors before the team waived him in October. The Chicago Bulls picked up Ulis, but he played in just one game before again being waived on Dec. 21.

Ulis was selected out of Kentucky by the Phoenix Suns in the second round (No. 34 overall) of the 2016 NBA draft. He spent two seasons there, averaging 7.6 points, 4.1 assists and 1.7 rebounds across 132 games (58 starts). Phoenix waived Ulis in June 2018. 

Ulis starred while at Kentucky. He was named the 2015-16 SEC Player of the Year as well as Defensive Player of the Year, earning All-SEC honors. When the Suns took Ulis, then-general manager Ryan McDonough told reporters he felt the only reason he was still available in the second round was his size. "In some ways, I see a coach on the floor," McDonough added. 

The Suns' initial optimism didn't pan out. 

With the Kings' training camp opening Saturday, they took a low-risk chance on a player who could provide depth in the backcourt behind De'Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield.