Pippen Ain't Easy
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5 Chicago Bulls-related questions that need answers before training camp starts

By Michael Whitlow

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 25: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Chicago Bulls. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photos by Chris Covatta/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 25: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Chicago Bulls. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photos by Chris Covatta/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Robin Lopez, C, Chicago Bulls
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28: Robin Lopez #8 of the Chicago Bulls is introduced before the game against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quartefinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. How much longer is Robin Lopez going to be a Bull?

There is a such thing as a salary floor and with the Butler trade and money off the books, the Bulls do have to have some kind of money on record this season. You can’t just play with a full under-25 roster for 82 games. You do need some veterans on the payroll.

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Robin Lopez is slated to make $13.8 million this season for the Bulls, but he’s not exactly a piece that will be a part of the Bulls’ future plans. Lopez is still just 29 years old and has a few good years left in him on a solid contract. He could be a solid bargaining chip for the Bulls to acquire a good package.

It’s safe to assume that Lopez will still be on the Bulls roster when training camp rolls around next month, but the real question lies in how much longer he’ll be in Chicago this upcoming season. The Bulls did some dealing at the deadline last season when they moved Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott (plus their own second-round pick for some reason) in a deal for Joffrey Lauvergne, Anthony Morrow and starting point guard candidate Cameron Payne.

Lopez will likely be the starting center for the Bulls on Oct. 19 in Toronto when he gets his rematch with Serge Ibaka in a 12-round heavyweight bout the Bulls open their 2017-18 campaign, but don’t be surprised if he ends the season elsewhere with a new team after the new four-year $32 million contract Cristiano Felicio signed this past July.

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