Nikola Vucevic Re-Signs With Chicago: Where Do the Bulls Stand?

The Chicago Bulls have made the playoffs only twice in the last eight seasons, including missing the playoffs in the 2022-23 campaign. The Bulls, however, are doing their best to keep things together, as they re-signed center Nikola Vucevic to a three-year, $60 million deal.

Also this offseason, the Bulls managed to re-sign guard Coby White while adding guard Jevon Carter and forward Torrey Craig.

Nikola Vucevic's 2023-24 Outlook?

With Vucevic entering his 10th season, we know what kind of player he is by now. The two-time All-Star has had himself a good career as he has averaged 17.0 points and 10.5 rebounds while putting together a 49.6% field goal percentage.

Last season, he was solid once again, averaging 17.6 points and 11.0 rebounds, which were -- oddly enough -- the same marks he had in the 2021-22 season, when the Bulls last made the playoffs.

Vucevic knows his role and fits it well. Bringing him back gives the Bulls an anchor down low over the next three seasons.

Betting Odds Impact

The odds didn't get better for the Bulls even after retaining Vucevic. Ahead of free agency, Chicago's championship odds were set at +12000, per the NBA Finals odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. However, with all the movement in the NBA since free agency opened, the Bulls' odds have since fallen a smidge to +13000.

The change in odds surely doesn't reflect on the re-signing of Vucevic. Instead, the league has changed a lot since free agency began, and the Bulls haven't made many big moves outside of applying for a designated player exception for Lonzo Ball, who is set to miss the 2023-24 NBA season. The Bulls are in a situation where they must decide if they want to be a team that makes a push or one that gets back to rebuilding.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.