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As the Chicago Bulls navigate their offseason, they need to focus on improvement. Their current core is decent, but, as we saw last season, it isn’t good enough to guarantee a playoff spot. In fact, since the core’s formation two years ago, the Bulls have won one playoff game.
Now, the core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic clearly needs help around the edges if the Bulls hope to compete at the highest level. Before they can do that, they need to ensure the core stays intact. Vucevic is set to be a free agent if the Bulls don’t extend him by the end of the month.
According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe on his podcast, “The Lowe Post,” the Bulls want to bring back Vucevic on a contract “that won’t make their fans vomit.” (H/t Daniel Greenberg)
“I’ve heard the Chicago Bulls are hoping to get Nikola Vučević back at a deal that won’t make their fans vomit. Like three years for $55 million, three for 60, three for 65,” Lowe said.
Vucevic will turn 33 years old before the start of next season, but he’s still a very reliable center. He played in all 82 games for Chicago this past year, averaging 17.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.
The trouble with re-signing Vucevic is the current Bulls core doesn’t seem like a championship contender. So, to re-sign Vucevic on a deal worth over $20 million could be paying for a core that will not get over the hump.
With the new CBA being ushered in, teams need to be more concerned with their financials than ever. Vucevic is a solid player, and he probably deserves a $20 million contract. But should the Bulls be the team to give it to him?
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