Report indicates negotiations for a contract extension for Nikola Vucevic are underway

Will the Bulls successfully negotiate a suitable extension with their big man?

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

It appears that the Chicago Bulls are determined to keep veteran big man Nikola Vucevic on their roster. According to a report from renowned NBA insider Shams Charania, the Bulls and Nikola’s representatives have already begun the negotiating process for a contract extension in time for the June 30 deadline.

"Sources tell me that the Bulls and Nikola Vucevic have opened up extension conversations"

Our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania has details regarding Chicago and its starting center. pic.twitter.com/ykWFKFGnYh

— Stadium (@Stadium) May 30, 2023

Hesitant to lose Vooch

The Bulls are hesitant to lose their starting center. Aside from not wanting a massive hole in the middle, they also can’t afford to let Vooch just walk away in unrestricted free agency. After all, it wasn’t too long ago that they traded away a hefty package composed of Wendell Carter, Otto Porter Jr., and two first-round picks—one of which became First Team All-Rookie member Franz Wagner—to the Magic to acquire the double-double machine.

Running it back?

This report may be a sign of which direction the Bulls are taking the franchise. Although executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas has already expressed he’s not going to tear the roster down, he also mentioned that he would explore any possibility to improve a roster that failed to make it to the NBA Playoffs this season. This development may imply that the Bulls are getting ready to run their roster back if they can come to an agreement with Vucevic.