The Chicago Bulls' two-way Mac McClung bets on passion over paychecks and his relentless pursuit of the league.
The Chicago Bulls' new two-way signee Mac McClung recently revealed he's been tempted by lucrative overseas offers "year by year" but remains committed to pursuing his NBA dream — at least for now.
"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," McClung told HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo, elaborating on substantial contract offers from Euroleague and Chinese teams.
McClung initially signed with the Indiana Pacers in October last year, but was waived in November. The Gate City, Va. product then joined Chicago's G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, averaging 27.4 points, 7.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds during the G League season before the Bulls re-signed him to a two-way contract this month alongside teammate Yuki Kawamura after waiving Trentyn Flowers and trading Emanuel Miller to Cleveland.
Feb 5, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls guard Mac Mcclung (5) drives against Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesAs All-Star Weekend approaches in Los Angeles, McClung, who achieved a historic three-peat in the NBA Dunk Contest from 2023 to 2025, has decided to step away from defending his title, despite initially preparing for another run.
"I think there was just back and forth of us being like this, and then they were calling me, being like 'People didn't want to do it if I was doing it,' and I thought it's best if I just sit out this year and let it be, no matter what," McClung said.
Beyond those highlight reels of his jaw-dropping dunks, McClung’s story is one of relentless perseverance, an undersized journeyman grinding through the G League universe for years and fighting for every opportunity while NBA doors remained closed to him.
Even now, with a two-way contract in Chicago, his future remains uncertain. There's no guarantee this leads to a permanent roster spot or consistent NBA minutes. Yet McClung's heart to chase an NBA dream remains unwavering, even as those overseas contracts are “hard to turn down.”
"Money is not a driving force for me, thank God. I really just love the game, and I'm pursuing this," McClung said.
That passion over paychecks amid uncertainty over security defines McClung's basketball journey. He said he took it "day by day," while focusing on refining for improvement and pursuing his NBA dream.
"Every year is the life of a two-way player in the league, a guy fighting for an NBA spot," McClung said. "I genuinely focus on how much better I can get this year. How can I get better at this or that, and how can I keep growing?"
Whether McClung ultimately carves out an NBA career or eventually accepts those overseas offers remains to be seen. For now, he's betting on himself as he began the journey in 2021. That stubborn belief might be his greatest trait other than dunking.