© Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
No progress on contract extension negotiations between Chicago Bulls and Nikola Vucevic
In this story:
According to ESPN's NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls and Nikola Vucevic have been unable to come to terms on a contract extension, setting the big man up to become an unrestricted free agent. With the Bulls floundering so far this season, Vucevic's future in Chicago remains uncertain.
No traction
Speaking on NBA Countdown, Wojnarowski said several notable centers could become free agents in the next few months. With Boston Celtics' big man Al Horford recently signing a two-year extension worth $20 million, the Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez and Vucevic are intriguing players who are expected to hit the open market.
"I think right now with Vucevic, those talks on an extension have not really gained any traction," said Wojnarowski.
With the Bulls limping to a 9-14 record so far this season, Chicago is rumored to be taking stock of their roster and looking for potential trades to try and turn the season around. It is unclear whether Vucevic's status will be a factor in any of these discussions, but the Bulls may have to decide soon if he will remain part of their plans moving forward.
Vucevic's Struggles
Vucevic, averaging 15.8 points and 11 rebounds per game this season, has been one of the Bulls' most consistent performers since being acquired in a trade with the Magic in 2021. However, his numbers have dipped to their lowest since his early years in Orlando.
To his credit, Vucevic said last month that he doesn't let his contract situation bother him.
"I really don't think about it too much. I think the front office kind of wants to see how everything goes this season before they make decisions. That's part of it," said Vucevic.
"It also helps that I've been doing this for so long that teams know what I do, how good I am, what I bring to the table. In my mind, I don't think this year is going to change the perception people have of me. You just play and things take care of themselves usually," the big man added.
