Talen Horton-Tucker is one of the most intriguing young talents in the NBA. Known for his unique skill set and impressive wingspan, he has made a name for himself as a versatile guard who can impact both ends of the floor.
Horton-Tucker plays for the Chicago Bulls and continues to show growth in his game. Fans admire his journey from the streets of Chicago to the big stage of the NBA, and many are curious about his personal life, career milestones, and financial success.
Talen Horton-Tucker’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Talen Jalee Horton-Tucker |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | Simeon Career Academy; Iowa State Univ. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 234 lbs (106 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | $7 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $35,565,550 (through 2025) |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Talen Horton-Tucker was born and raised in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a city known for its deep basketball roots, he was surrounded by the sport from a young age. His mother, Shirley Horton, was a school teacher, and his father, Marlin Tucker, was a strong influence in his life until his passing in 2016. Talen’s love for basketball was evident early on. At St. Matthias Elementary School, he was so dedicated to the game that his jersey number was retired—a rare honor for someone so young.
After elementary school, Talen attended Simeon Career Academy, a powerhouse in Chicago high school basketball. Simeon is famous for producing NBA stars, and Talen quickly became a standout player.
He helped lead the Simeon Wolverines to three consecutive City Championships, proving himself as a clutch performer in big games. His performances earned him a four-star recruit rating from ESPN and made him one of the most sought-after high school players in the country.
In October 2017, Horton-Tucker committed to Iowa State University, choosing the Cyclones over offers from schools like Illinois and Xavier. His decision was based on the opportunity to play significant minutes and develop his game in a competitive environment.
At Iowa State, Talen made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions and handling various responsibilities on the court.
One of his most memorable college games came against Illinois, where he scored a career-high 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. His ability to score, rebound, and defend made him a valuable asset for the Cyclones. After just one season, Talen declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, confident in his ability to compete at the highest level. His journey from a young boy in Chicago to a college standout set the stage for his professional career.
Professional Career
Talen Horton-Tucker entered the 2019 NBA Draft and was selected 46th overall in the second round by the Orlando Magic. However, his rights were quickly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Joining a team with championship aspirations, Talen had to prove himself among seasoned veterans. In his rookie year, he split time between the Lakers and their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, gaining valuable experience and working on his game.
Despite limited minutes in his first season, Talen made a significant impact when given the opportunity. He became the youngest player to win an NBA championship at age 19 when the Lakers captured the title in 2020. This achievement not only boosted his confidence but also showed the league that he could perform under pressure.
Over the next few seasons, Horton-Tucker’s role with the Lakers grew. He became known for his strong defense, ability to drive to the basket, and playmaking skills. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 9.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His performances earned him a three-year, $30.87 million contract extension with the Lakers, reflecting the team’s belief in his potential.
In August 2022, Talen was traded to the Utah Jazz, where he continued to develop his game. Playing for the Jazz, he averaged double-digit points and contributed as both a scorer and facilitator. His time in Utah allowed him to take on a larger role and showcase his skills as a starting guard in several games. He averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in the 2022-23 season, and 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in the 2023-24 season.
In 2024, Horton-Tucker signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bulls. Returning to his hometown team was a special moment in his career. With the Bulls, he provided valuable minutes off the bench, averaging 5.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in the 2024-25 season. His experience and leadership have been important for the Bulls’ young roster, and his journey has come full circle as he now plays in front of family and friends in Chicago.
His Current Net Worth Details 2025
Talen Horton-Tucker’s net worth is estimated to be $7 million as of 2025.
Contract
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Talen Horton-Tucker signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bulls valued at $2,425,403. This deal was secured using the minimum salary exception, which is common for experienced players seeking to contribute to a new team or return to their hometown.
The contract is fully guaranteed, ensuring Horton-Tucker receives the full amount regardless of performance or roster changes during the season. When this contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, he will become an unrestricted free agent, giving him the freedom to negotiate with any NBA team for his next opportunity.
Salary
In the 2024-25 NBA season, Talen Horton-Tucker is earning a base salary of $2,425,403 as a member of the Chicago Bulls. This amount reflects his status as an experienced role player in the league and is consistent with the minimum salary for a player with his years of service.
The entire salary is fully guaranteed, meaning he will receive the full amount regardless of any roster moves or injuries during the season. This salary adds to his career earnings and highlights his continued value as a dependable contributor on the Bulls’ roster.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Los Angeles Lakers | $842,166 |
| 2020-21 | Los Angeles Lakers | $1,517,981 |
| 2021-22 | Los Angeles Lakers | $9,500,000 |
| 2022-23 | Utah Jazz | $10,260,000 |
| 2023-24 | Utah Jazz | $11,020,000 |
| 2024-25 | Chicago Bulls | $2,425,403 |
| Total | $35,565,550 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | L.A. Lakers | 6 | 1 | 13.5 | 5.7 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.2 | .467 | .308 | .500 |
| 2020-21 | L.A. Lakers | 65 | 4 | 20.1 | 9.0 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 0.3 | .459 | .282 | .775 |
| 2021-22 | L.A. Lakers | 60 | 19 | 25.2 | 10.0 | 3.2 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.5 | .416 | .269 | .800 |
| 2022-23 | Utah Jazz | 65 | 20 | 20.2 | 10.7 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 0.4 | .419 | .286 | .750 |
| 2023-24 | Utah Jazz | 51 | 11 | 19.8 | 10.1 | 2.4 | 3.5 | 0.9 | 0.4 | .396 | .330 | .807 |
| 2024-25 | Chicago Bulls | 50 | 0 | 11.1 | 5.4 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | .439 | .365 | .684 |
| Total | 297 | 55 | 5687 | 2668 | 770 | 822 | 231 | 107 | .425 | .301 | .773 |
FAQs
1. Who is Talen Horton-Tucker and which NBA team does he currently play for?
Talen Horton-Tucker is an American professional basketball player from Chicago, Illinois. As of the 2024–25 NBA season, he plays as a guard for the Chicago Bulls. He previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz.
2. What is Talen Horton-Tucker’s background and early life?
Talen Horton-Tucker was born on November 25, 2000, in Chicago. He grew up in the Uptown neighborhood and attended St. Matthias Elementary School, where his No. 5 jersey was retired. He later played high school basketball at Simeon Career Academy, helping his team win three straight city championships.
3. Where did Talen Horton-Tucker play college basketball and how did he perform?
He played one season of college basketball at Iowa State University during 2018–19. As a freshman, he averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He had a standout game with 26 points and 14 rebounds against Illinois before declaring for the NBA draft after his freshman year.
4. When was Talen Horton-Tucker drafted into the NBA and by which team?
Talen Horton-Tucker was selected in the second round as the 46th overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2019 NBA Draft. He was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he began his NBA career.
5. What are some of Talen Horton-Tucker’s career highlights and achievements?
One of his biggest achievements is winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He became the second-youngest player in NBA history to win a championship, at 19 years and 322 days old.
6. What are Talen Horton-Tucker’s career statistics in the NBA?
Over six NBA seasons, Horton-Tucker has played more than 300 regular-season games, averaging 9.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. He has played for the Lakers, Jazz, and Bulls, with his best scoring season averaging over 10 points per game.
7. What is known about Talen Horton-Tucker’s family and personal life?
His parents are Shirley Horton and Marlin Tucker. His father, Marlin, passed away in 2016, and his mother, Shirley, is a school teacher who has been a strong support throughout his life and career. Talen credits his mother for helping him stay focused and motivated.
8. Has Talen Horton-Tucker experienced any significant injuries during his career?
In October 2021, he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb, requiring surgery. He was ruled out for at least four weeks but recovered without long-term issues, as this type of injury generally has a good prognosis and players often return to full strength.
9. What is Talen Horton-Tucker’s contract status with the Chicago Bulls?
For the 2024–25 NBA season, Horton-Tucker signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bulls worth $2,425,403, which is fully guaranteed. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
10. What jersey numbers has Talen Horton-Tucker worn in the NBA?
Throughout his NBA career, Horton-Tucker has worn several jersey numbers: 5 with the Lakers, 0 and 5 with the Jazz, and 22 with the Chicago Bulls.
