According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Chicago Bulls are nearing a three-year, $60 million contract extension with big man Nikola Vucevic. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski also reported on the deal, noting the parties are “finalizing” the agreement, per Vucevic’s agents Bill Duffy and Rade Fillipovich.
It had been widely reported that the Bulls were looking to bring back their starting center, who started all 82 games for them this past season and averaged 33.5 minutes per contest. Vucevic averaged 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game on 52% shooting from the field and 34.9% shooting from behind the 3-point line.
With the extension, the Bulls will have their Big Three of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Vucevic on board heading into next season.
The Chicago Bulls and center Nikola Vucevic are nearing a three-year, $60 million contract extension, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/xYo9vF0Gk1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2023
After the season ended for Chicago in the play-in tournament, Arturas Karnisovas was adamant about running back the same core, stressing the team had no plans to rebuild the roster. Bringing back Vucevic is the first step in their plan to do just that.
However, with Lonzo Ball set to miss next season, and the core of LaVine, DeRozan, and Vucevic failing to make the playoffs this past year, the Bulls have work to do.
If they hope to make a serious playoff push, the front office will need to add significant help around their star trio, especially at the point guard position. Chicago also needs to address its dire need for 3-point shooting. It was one of the worst teams in the league last season in that category.
But, the first step of their summer is done. Vucevic is back in the red and black. Now, the real challenges begin.
