Andre Drummond plans to stay with the Chicago Bulls

The experienced big man is planning to stay with the Bulls.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

For all the question marks surrounding the Chicago Bulls roster this offseason, it appears that one player they don't have to worry about is veteran center Andre Drummond. The 11-year-pro recently revealed on the Paper Route podcast by I AM ATHLETE that he plans on picking up his player option to return to the Windy City.

"As of now, that's what my plan is," Drummond said, which means the Bulls may already have their backup plan, if free agent center Nikola Vucevic decides to go elsewhere next season.

Solid contributor off the bench

Even though the 6-foot-10 center is far away from his All-Star days with the Detroit Pistons, he remains a reliable and steady contributor off the bench. His 6 points and 6.6 rebounds in 12 minutes per game with the Bulls last season served as a good complement for Vucevic, who he backed up in 67 appearances this past season.

Derrick Jones Jr. and Andre Drummond are both planning to opt into their player options, and return to the Chicago Bulls next season. #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/akxRh0gtik

— Bulls Nation (@BullNationCHI) June 7, 2023

Despite not playing many minutes, Drummond was the consummate professional for the Bulls, giving the team energy with his hustle plays—whether it was crashing the glass or defending the rim.

Believes in what the Bulls have

At just 29 years of age, Drummond could have commanded more money and a bigger role on other teams. But the Bulls will benefit from his presence, as Drummond believes in what Chicago is building and in the team's potential for success.

"In the grand scheme of things, I'm at a point where I enjoy where I'm at," Drummond said. "I love playing in Chicago. The team is great. I think we just needed more time to build chemistry together. We had a lot of injuries. There wasn't really any consistency with our unit because guys were in and out of lineups. I think with a fresh year I think we'll be fine."