According to the latest NBA news the Chicago Bulls and veteran centre Nikola Vucevic have agreed to terms of a contract extension, keeping him with the organization. Vucevic is prevented from becoming an unrestricted free agent by the rumored $60 million three-year contract.
Vucevic has continuously put up great numbers since joining the Bulls in 2021, averaging 17.6 points and 11 rebounds per game for a double-double. He was also one of the few players who played in each game throughout the previous season. As the Bulls continue to assemble their roster, the deal reinforces Vucevic’s position as a vital member of the team.
Bulls agree to three-year deal with Vucevic worth $60 million
According to a new deal, Nikola Vucevic will stay with the Chicago Bulls for another season. The $60 million contract secures the center’s position in the team’s nucleus as they strive to contend in the Eastern Conference. Despite trade rumors, the Bulls have made it clear that they want to keep Vucevic, and the agreement fits with their long-term objectives.
Nikola Vucevic received criticism during his first full season with the Bulls for falling short of expectations as the group’s third star behind DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
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
Due to their subpar overall performance, the Bulls finished as the 10th seed and were eliminated early from the play-in round. However, the team is still dedicated to constructing around its key players, and keeping Vucevic around is considered as a step in the right direction for enhancing their chances of success in the Eastern Conference.
By extending Vucevic, the Bulls are able to preserve stability and consistency as they strive to compete with the conference’s elite teams despite having limited financial freedom owing to current contracts.
Who is the highest-paid player in Bulls history?
Unexpectedly, the highest-paid Bulls player is not Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time. Derrick Rose, who made over $94 million over his seven years with the franchise, deserves the honor. The Bulls had their best seasons since the Jordan era under Rose, the first overall choice in the 2008 draught and MVP in 2010–11. According to his former colleague Luol Deng, his untimely ACL rupture in the 2011 playoffs ended their hopes of winning the title.
Following this, Rose spent time with many teams since being traded to the Knicks in 2016 before making his way back to New York, where he is now reunited with his old Bulls coach, Tom Thibodeau. Although Rose’s professional trajectory may not have matched Michael Jordan’s legendary history, his financial success as a Bull serves as proof of his influence on the team throughout his prime years.
