Nikola Vucevic and the Chicago Bulls have opened discussions on a contract extension, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Vucevic will become an unrestricted free agent if an extension isn’t agreed upon by June 30.
“In Chicago, I’m told that the Bulls have opened up extension conversations with their starting center Nikola Vučević,” Charania wrote. “Sources tell me there is mutual interest in getting a deal done. Both sides have until June 30 to get an extension done. If there is no agreement by that point, Vučević would enter free agency and be one of the top centers available on the market.”
Vucevic averaged 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Bulls this season while shooting 52.0% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 83.5% from the free-throw line. The two-time All-Star was third in the NBA in double-doubles (51).
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic & Chicago Bulls Updates
The Bulls acquired Vucevic from the Orlando Magic in March 2021. Chicago traded Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter, a 2021 first-round pick (Franz Wagner was later selected) and a 2023 first-round pick to Orlando for Vucevic. The Magic also received a trade exception.
Vucevic is averaging 18.2 points and 11.1 rebounds in 181 games with the Bulls. Chicago can offer an extension worth up to approximately $118 million over four seasons. If Vucevic becomes an unrestricted free agent, multiple contenders are expected to have interest in him. The 32-year-old has career averages of 17.0 points and 10.5 rebounds with the Philadelphia 76ers, Magic and Bulls.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic & Chicago Bulls Updates
The Bulls missed the playoffs this season after making it in 2022 for the first time since 2017. Vucevic, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan weren’t able to recreate the magic they had in 2021-22. Chicago went only 40-42 this season. The team’s season ended after losing the 8-9 play-in game to the Miami Heat in South Beach.
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