Nikola Vucevic and the Bulls will have initial discussions during training camp regarding a possible extension, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
A source told Cowley that both sides want him to remain with the team beyond the final year of his contract. Vucevic is heading into the last season of his front-loaded four-year, $100MM deal that he signed with Orlando. He’ll make $22MM in 2022/23.
Vucevic has been the subject of trade rumors for months. There was heavy speculation that he’d be part of a Rudy Gobert deal with Utah before the All-Star center was dealt to Minnesota. Extending Vucevic on a one-year deal with a player option for the 2024/25 season would make sense for both sides, Cowley speculates.
Chicago may simply have come to the conclusion that an upgrade at center may not be available.
The Bulls front office places a high value on the Vucevic’s professionalism, versatility and consistency. However, there’s no denying that the big man had a rather forgettable 2021/22 season. He averaged 17.6 PPG, his lowest since the 2017-18 season, and shot just 31.4% from 3-point range. He’s a 34.8% career shooter from distance.
In the previous season, when he was acquired by Chicago, he averaged 23.4 PPG and made 40% of his 3-pointers in 70 games between the Bulls and Magic. Cowley notes Vucevic’s touches have dipped after he was more of a focal point in Orlando’s scheme.
The biggest issue with Vucevic is his defensive shortcomings. He’s never been a shot blocker and he has difficulty in pick-and-roll situations. But Chicago was never truly whole last season due to injuries and Vucevic didn’t have the ability to build chemistry at both ends with the core group.
Why? I mean I guessed they’re capped out anyway but extending Vuc sounds like something they’re entertaining just to keep thinks friendly.
Bird trap
Lol they aiming for perennial first round exits?
I don’t believe a lower scoring average is anything to be concerned about: after all, he went from being the focal point of Orlando’s offense to the 3 option in Chicago.
The bigger concerns are the lack of defensive prowess and diminished shooting percentages despite a lower volume of attempts. If Chicago can consistently maintain a defense-oriented backup, I see no problem with extending Vucevic in the short term; he just can’t be your only trusted option at the 5
He’s not their guy. I liked the experiment but this team need more defense in the middle with the high scoring guards they already have. Not enough touches currently to be efficient offensively especially with him not hitting 3s above league average.
exactly. i’d love to see them go for a less talented but defense oriented center. would fit better.
Even simply a guy like Nic Claxton.
i’m a huge claxton fan so i’d love to see him taking a starting center position on a playoff team. problem is salary, the nets would probably have to add curry to the trade for salary and probably a first or 2 seconds as vucevic has a lot more value than claxton
No extension will be coming his way. Andre Drummond is gonna take minutes away from him. If Drummond decides to actually provide some type of rim protection ….. then Vucevic could find himself coming off the bench,
exactlyyyy bro. vucevic is very talented but the bulls need a defensive center and andre drummond is one of the best backup centers if not, the best backup center in the entire league right now and is a perfect defensive fit for them. they should trade vucevic for picks and wings
Ouch, your probably not going to love Andre’s team defense
He’s a glass cleaner nothing more, doesn’t challenge/block many shots is a negative on the perimeter
There’s a reason why he’s a b/u and making sub bi-annual the last 3 years
There is a reason why i said “if Drummond actually decides to provide some type of rim protection.” He is capable. Has shown flashes many times. Typically loses interest and goes back to purely padding his rebounding stats.
True you did I’m just skeptical. Great b/u and I like the Bulls fit I just wouldn’t want him my #1
So you expect Vucevic to have better offense. Playing with Zach and DeRozan and no real PG (Ball hurt). You’ve always known about his D, we All have.
He’s the best Center Bulls have had since Bill Cartwright. Maybe you should ask someone how to use him.
A 4 who plays D. Would look good next to Vucevic.
honestly i’d rather see vucevic at a 4 with drummond as their starting center. lonzo at the 1, lavine at the 2 and derozan at the 3, that’s a very good team with ayo, coby and pat off the bench? that’s a lot of talent and vucevic could play a karl towns type role where he’s a big man playing as the 4
Too slow in todays gm. Bulls played well with Williams in starting lineup. But he’s more a 3 than 4. A D 4 is what they need most. Drummond gives them good depth imo. Losing Williams really hurt. I’d be looking for a D stud at the 4.
They should shake Utahs tree for Vanderbelt
Utah needs to hold onto Jarryd Vanderbilt for now. He is going to put up strong very strong rebounding numbers grabbing all of Mitchell’s misses. His trade value should rise on a bad Utah team. He could be a nice missing piece for a lot of teams.
He’s a good addition. Definitely
Prime Joakim >>> Vuc
Myles Turner would be the best fit for them. But they’d probably have to include a 3rd team so that Indy gets the draft comp they want.
as much as i want to see turner go to the mavs, yes he would thrive in chicago
Been saying this since the second they acquired Vuc
Gotta resign/extend Vuc- class act and meshes with the team well. he will be much more expensive next year.
He will definitely not be making more next year if he is a FA.
Bad idea
Not just bad, Carlos Boozer bad