Chicago Bulls confirm they have agreed to an extension with starting center Nikola Vucevic

The Bulls have their starting center back.

© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls secured their starting center for next season and the years beyond as they announced they had extended Nikola Vucevic’s contract. Reports have pegged the big man’s contract to be worth $60 million for three years. The team’s executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas has long expressed his desire to keep the versatile double-double machine, and on Wednesday, he came through.

OFFICIAL: We have extended @NikolaVucevic pic.twitter.com/bA1RRs9LBq

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 28, 2023

Special player

The Bulls acquired Vucevic in a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline in 2021. Since then, he has been dependable, with averages of 18.2 points and 11.1 rebounds in his three seasons in Chicago. Although Vucevic’s defense remains suspect, his nightly double-doubles are the kind of production that’s difficult to replicate from players on the free-agent market.

“During his time in Chicago, Nikola has proven that he is a special player both on and off the court,” Karnisovas said in a statement. “He has produced at an elite level since we acquired him and will remain an integral part of our foundation moving forward.”

“Nikola’s willingness to do whatever is asked of him to help us win, while also being an established veteran leader for our group, makes him a valuable component of the culture of our organization. He is a consummate professional and tremendous teammate, which plays a big role in making us an attractive destination for other players. We are excited to have him continue to be part of our journey,” Karnisovas added.

Continue his journey as a Bull

For his part, Vucevic expressed his excitement to remain in Chicago, where he has established his presence both on the court and away from it.

“I’m excited to continue my journey as a Chicago Bull,” Vucevic said in a statement. “Since I have arrived in Chicago, everyone in the organization has been incredibly welcoming to my family and me. I am motivated more than ever to achieve our mutual goals as a team. I want to thank the Reinsdorf family and Artūras for continuing to believe in me.”

WILD stat: Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has averaged the exact same points, rebounds, and assists for two straight seasons 🤯

2022-23: 2021-22:

17.6 PPG 17.6 PPG
11.0 RPG 11.0 RPG
3.2 APG 3.2 APG

HOW?!?! 😱 pic.twitter.com/HIbKkui3Df

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 29, 2023