After a few years of disappointment with the trio of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic leading the way, the Chicago Bulls were expected to make some moves this summer, with many believing the franchise would try to start from scratch.
The trade rumors involving the Bulls and their star players have been swirling for quite some time, but it appears one of the team’s best players will no longer be mentioned in those rumors, at least for the time being.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Bulls are close to extending Vucevic’s contract, with the versatile center about to make $20 million per season for the next three years.
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
Here are some fan reactions to the news that Vucevic will be in the fold for the next few years:
Solid deal.
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) June 28, 2023
One of the most underrated bigs in the NBA. Well deserved.
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) June 28, 2023
Pain.
— Sam (@Sam_____219) June 28, 2023
bulls front office pic.twitter.com/p737aEg7xQ
— jeff (@DedicationHoops) June 28, 2023
Clearly, Bulls fans appear to be torn on whether they like this new deal for Vucevic, as it doesn’t exactly move the needle for Chicago moving forward.
Although Vucevic is one of the most talented centers in the league right now, he can’t get the job done by himself, which he proved during his time with the Orlando Magic.
The consensus right now is that DeRozan and or LaVine will get traded this summer, which will start the rebuild in Chicago, with Vucevic being the star attraction for the next three years or so.
It’ll be interesting to see what the next move is for the Bulls and if the team truly intends to shake things up this summer.
NEXT: NBA Insider Shares New Nikola Vucevic Contract Update