One NBA writer has urged the Chicago Bulls to re-sign big man Nikola Vucevic this offseason.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report thinks the Bulls should bring Vucevic back once free agency starts.
“The Chicago Bulls have been in the neighborhood of mediocrity over the last two years, which might suggest they should be willing to move on from unrestricted free agent Nikola Vučević, but talent is talent,” Bailey wrote. “Letting it walk for nothing is a bad idea, and that’s apparently what Artūras Karnišovas reportedly thinks.
“Vučević is 32 years old, but he’s averaged 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists as a Bull. For a team entering the offseason with DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball all on significant contracts, that’d be a tough amount of production to replace.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic & Chicago Bulls Updates
Vucevic averaged 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for the Bulls in 2022-23 while shooting 52.0% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc, and 83.5% from the free-throw line. He was third in the NBA in double-doubles (51).
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 from the Bulls in the blockbuster trade.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic & Chicago Bulls Updates
Vucevic will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Bulls by June 30. The two-time All-Star and Chicago’s front office have already opened discussions on a contract extension, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
“In Chicago, I’m told that the Bulls have opened up extension conversations with their starting center Nikola Vucevic,” 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, Vucevic would enter free agency and be one of the top centers available on the market.”
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