5 Moves Chicago Bulls must make after doomsday news
By Tyler Watts
2. Re-sign Nikola Vucevic
This move may already be done. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that executives believe the 6’10 big man is headed back to Chicago on a three-year deal worth $65 million. He is an unrestricted free agent that can sign with any team, but all signs point to him staying with the Bulls.
Chicago is not getting equal value back in a sign-and-trade, and they do not have cap space by letting him walk, so their best option is re-signing him to a fair market deal. Even if the Bulls decide to rebuild, they could trade Vucevic for draft capital if he is on a desirable contract.
The 32-year-old averaged 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.7 blocks in 33.5 minutes per game last season. His rim protection numbers decreased, but his offensive efficiency improved as Vucevic remains a skilled big man. He made $22 million last season, so keeping him at that figure seems fair moving forward.
Could the Chicago Bulls upgrade at the five? There is talk of trying to acquire Deandre Ayton, but that would mean dealing Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan. Do the Bulls improve in that scenario? They are likely better off just running it back with Vucevic.
Getting Nikola Vucevic locked in long-term is not the only thing the Bulls should be focused on this summer.