All eyes will be on the Bulls’ latest “Big Three” this offseason.
Well, they’re as big a “Big Three” as a mediocre, 39-win lottery team can have.
But Nikola Vucevic, Josh Giddey and Coby White did have career years, and arguments can be made that the organization should keep all three, move any of them or deal all three.
Strange days ahead at the Advocate Center, for sure:
NIKOLA VUCEVIC
What he did: The 34-year-old veteran led the Bulls in rebounding (10.1 per game) and averaged 18.5 points — his best scoring average in the last four seasons. He also overcame a cold-shooting middle of the season and finished at 40.2% from three-point range, a career high and only the second time he has shot 40% or better from long range.
Where he stands: Vucevic will enter the last year of his deal and make $21.4 million.
What he said: He opened some eyes at the exit-meeting interviews Thursday, insisting for the first time that a deep playoff run was becoming a priority for him at his age.
“There are some good, young pieces that can be built around,” Vucevic said. “There are a lot of questions when you’re a team not fighting for the top. I have trust in them and believe they want to do what’s best and build a good team that wants to win, so we’ll see. Obviously, I’m at the stage in my career where I’m trying to win now, play in the playoffs and hopefully have deep playoff runs. It’s a young team, and it does take time. It all depends on what their timeline is and how they see this team.”
What happens: The Bulls once again will look to move Vucevic, making room for Zach Collins as the temporary starter or drafting a young rim protector. Vucevic does have an expiring deal, but, in all likelihood, he could be moved more easily at the February trade deadline.
Fantasy trade: The Bulls send a package of Vucevic, White and Jevon Carter to the Pelicans for Zion Williamson.
JOSH GIDDEY
What he did: Acquired in the Alex Caruso trade with the Thunder last July, Giddey led the Bulls with 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. After the All-Star break, Giddey averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists and shot 45.7% from three. His defense improved, but he was exposed a bit during the play-in loss to the Heat.
Where he stands: Giddey will be a restricted free agent and is looking for at least $30 million a year.
What he said: When Giddey was asked which player the Bulls might have to pay for in the offseason — the Giddey who was benched late in several games in the first half of the season or the one who put up All-Star numbers in the second half — he responded: “I think from the 50 games at the start of the season, it was two completely different players and not only talking statistically. It was a confidence level, aggression level, effort level. You asked me to sell myself, I’d say the second half of the year is the player who I am. The first half was a completely different guy; confidence was down, aggression down. Probably was down trying to fit in too much.”
What happens: The Bulls can let Giddey hit the market — where there are limited suitors — see what the bidding is, then have the right to match any offer. Basically, it’s what they should’ve done with Patrick Williams and didn’t. They don’t learn lessons easily, however, so expect Giddey to get the five-year, $150 million extension.
Fantasy scenario: The Bulls play hardball and let him test the market. He gets a four-year, $108 million offer from the Nets. The Bulls match it and let him continue to prove himself.
COBY WHITE
What he did: White became the Bulls’ best scoring threat, especially after Zach LaVine was traded Feb. 2. His 20.4-point average was a career high, but he really showed off in the last 26 games, averaging 24.5 points.
Where he stands: White is going into the last year of his deal and will make $12.9 million next season. He’s eligible for an extension but would be foolish to sign one, considering NBA rules limit him to a 40% raise on his current undervalued deal.
What he said: White said he hasn’t thought much about his contract status but insisted he wanted to stay with the organization.
“I love playing for the Bulls and love playing for this organization,” White said. “I’m excited for the direction of the team. We have something we can build on.”
What happens: White is the Bulls’ best player and maybe their best trade asset. Would they dare deal him? Unlikely. Expect them to kick the can down the road and make White a $40 million-a-year player after next season.
Fantasy trade: See above . . . Zion is a Bull.
