Andre Drummond picks up his player option to stay with the Chicago Bulls

Andre Drummond is staying in Chicago.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls’ center rotation appears to be set for next season, with the news of Andre Drummond picking up his player option for the 2023-2024 season. The former All-Star had already publicly expressed his desire to return to Chicago, and on Thursday, he made that official. The 6-foot-10 big man signed a two-year deal worth $6.5 million last season and is set to play the final year that will pay him $3.36 million.

OFFICIAL: @AndreDrummond has exercised his player option to return for the 2023-24 season. pic.twitter.com/0eMppb9t6d

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 29, 2023

Consummate professional

Despite playing just 12 minutes per game—which is the lowest amount in his 12-year career—Drummond has been a consummate professional this past season. He has given the Bulls consistent energy off the bench, and his relentless efforts on the glass have been a huge help to the Bulls. Drummond is averaging 6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 60 percent from the field this season.

Centers are set

The development comes a day after the Bulls officially extended starting center Nikola Vucevic. Although many fans and experts alike clamored for the Bulls to make changes, especially in the frontcourt, where the lack of a legitimate rim protector was a glaring issue, it appears the Bulls are banking on Vucevic and Drummond to form a formidable tandem in the middle.

At just 29 years of age, Drummond hopes to showcase what he does best: rebound and bully defenders in the post, much like he did against San Antonio last February, where he amassed 21 points on a perfect 9-of-9 shooting, and 15 rebounds in just 20 minutes of action.