The Chicago Bulls have some serious roster adjustments to make this summer as they look to field a competitive team heading into next season. They were bounced from the Play-In Tournament this past year by the Miami Heat, who went on to win the Eastern Conference.
A starting-caliber point guard remains their biggest need, alongside three-point shooting. Chicago was one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league this past year. They could also use some forward depth, as their frontcourt is largely made up of youngsters. And now, it looks like they will also need a new backup center.
According to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein and his newsletter, “The SteinLine,” the Dallas Mavericks are expected to agree on a contract with Bulls center Andre Drummond once free agency begins.
“Multiple rival teams have told me this week that they expect Dallas to come to terms early in free agency with former All-Star center Andre Drummond … provided Drummond, as expected, declines his $3.36 million player option with Chicago before his Thursday’s deadline to do so,” Stein wrote. “Drummond would be the third new center for the Mavericks alongside recent acquisition Richaun Holmes and No. 12 overall pick Dereck Lively II. JaVale McGee and unrestricted free agent-to-be Christian Wood are out of Dallas’ plans, but McGee remains on the Mavericks’ roster for the moment after their recent trade pursuit of Deandre Ayton was ultimately rejected by Phoenix.”
Drummond had previously spoken about his desire to accept his player option and stay with the Bulls, but now, it looks like he’ll be on the move once free agency opens.
UPDATE: Drummond has accepted his player option and will remain with the Bulls. Stein noted on Twitter that Drummond’s potential signing with the Mavericks hinged on another set of circumstances.
