Nikola Vucevic told NBA reporter Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports that he knows next season is the “last chance” the Chicago Bulls’ Big 3 will have to win. The Bulls missed the playoffs last season after making it in 2022. Chicago has won only one playoff game in the Vucevic-DeMar DeRozan-Zach LaVine era.
“We know we can do better, and we have to do better,” Vucevic said. “And we know it’s kind of our last chance as this core of guys to do something.”
The Bulls won 40 games last season to clinch a play-in spot. They beat the Toronto Raptors on the road in the 9-10 play-in game behind 39 points from LaVine and 23 from DeRozan. However, Chicago lost to the Miami Heat in South Beach in the 8-9 play-in game, which ended its season.
Vucevic signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with the Bulls on June 28. He averaged 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season while shooting 52.0% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 83.5% from the free-throw line. Vucevic was third in the NBA in double-doubles (51).
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls Updates
Vucevic is averaging 18.2 points and 11.1 rebounds since coming to the Bulls. He has a strong relationship with Chicago executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas, league sources told NBA Analysis Network, which is why the Bulls re-signed Vucevic before free agency started.
DeRozan is entering the final year of his contract, while LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million deal with the Bulls in July 2022. LaVine is “not happy” his name keeps coming up in trade rumors, a league source told NBA Analysis Network. The Bulls have engaged several teams on LaVine trade opportunities since the 2022-23 season ended and the two-time Slam Dunk champion isn’t pleased by that.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls Updates
If the Bulls are not in the playoff picture near the February 2024 trade deadline, don’t be surprised if LaVine, DeRozan and Vucevic are traded.
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