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Despite being in contract year, Nikola Vucevic remains focused on the Chicago Bulls' success
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Unless the Chicago Bulls offer him a new contract before July 1, Nikola Vucevic will become an unrestricted free agent for the second time in his NBA career.
Vucevic remains focused on basketball
The Bulls' big man has been there before, playing through the entire 2018/19 NBA season uncertain about his future. That was also the first time he made the All-Star team, averaging then-career-highs of 20.8 points, 12 rebounds and 3.8 assists with the Orlando Magic.
The organization rewarded Vucevic with a 4-year, $100 million contract that's set to expire after this season. At that point, the 32-year-old will have earned around $156 million. That financial security alone is enough for Vooch to be solely focused on basketball and helping his team win.
“I really don’t think about it too much,” Nikola said in an interview with NCB Sports Chicago. “I think the front office kind of wants to see how everything goes this season before they make decisions. That’s part of it."
“Obviously, when you have an extension, you have security. But one good thing about not having one is you still have options to do what you feel like is best for you and your family,” he added. “I’m not in a position where it’s like a pressing thing for me, where like my whole life depends on it. I don’t have to worry about when I get my next contract, how big it’s going to be. I’ve set myself up for a nice life, post-career."
It's all about team success
Thirteen games into the season Vucevic is averaging 16.5 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 47.3 FG% and 39.7 3P%, as the injury-riddled Bulls (6-7) sit 8th in the East.
The team is yet to find consistency after an up and down start to the season. But the sooner they figure it out, the better their chances of keeping the 2x All-Star.
“Obviously, the team success, how we play and how we do and then what the team decides to do. There are a lot of factors that go in it,” Vucevic said. “I’m happy here. I like it here. We’ll see what happens.”
The Bulls gave up Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr. and two first-round picks to acquire Vucevic. So the last thing the organization wants to do is let him walk for nothing.
That's why it's important for Chicago to find their rhythm and start winning consistently. In the meantime, Vucevic will continue to do his thing.
"I’m just going to play and do the best I can to help this team win. When that time comes, we’ll take care of it,” he said.
