There have been a lot of trade rumors circling around the Chicago Bulls this summer. Some of them have involved Nikola Vucevic, who ultimately signed a three-year extension this summer worth $60 million.
The Bulls clearly saw the 6-foot-10 big man as a key piece to their squad, and they made it clear that they intend to move forward with Vucevic in the mix for the next couple of years.
Nikola Vucevic Admits Bulls Big 3 Are on the Clock
Be that as it may, there’s still that lingering feeling that in spite of signing a contract extension with the Bulls, there is still a bit of uncertainty surrounding Vucevic’s future in Chicago. The same can be said about his two other star teammates, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. As a trio, the Bulls Big 3 just haven’t been able to live up to the lofty expectations of the fans and the organization.
In fact, even Vucevic himself knows that the front office is on the brink of blowing everything up if they fail to succeed this coming season:
“We know we can do better, and we have to do better,” Vučević said, via Jake Fisher of Yahoo Sports. “And we know it’s kind of our last chance as this core of guys to do something.”
A lot of fans have been thinking along this same line, but it just hits differently now that Vucevic himself has come out to say it. Now more than ever, it is abundantly clear that time is running out for Chicago’s Big 3.
Nikola Vucevic Responds to Criticism
Vucevic has been an integral part of Chicago’s plans. They went all-in on him when they traded Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and two future first-round picks to the Orlando Magic back in 2021. If you look at it from that perspective, you can’t really say that the Bulls have gotten much return on their investment.
Taking all this into account, it comes as no surprise that Vucevic has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism throughout his time in Chicago. In his mind, though, the 32-year-old believes that he’s still been outstanding in the role he’s been given:
“I know in Chicago people have different opinions of how it’s been for me,” Vucevic said. “But it’s not the same situation I had in Orlando. I’m not used the same way. I’m not playing the same way. Although I felt this year was one of my best ever. Scoring-wise, no. But I’m taking five, six shots less than I did in Orlando. It’s different strengths. It’s made me a better overall player for sure, and helped me mature, be able to adapt better, playing with different types of players in a different system.”
Whatever the case might be, Vucevic and the rest of the Bulls will be playing under a microscope in 2023-24. One more failed season and it’s going to be over for this group.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.