Bulls looking to extend center Nikola Vucevic before season?

The Chicago Bulls took great strides last season after struggling for four straight seasons. In an effort to continue some of that success, the Bulls reportedly are looking to give a contract extension to one of their key players.

The Chicago Sun Times’ Joe Cowley published a story on Saturday morning that discussed Nikola Vucevic’s place on the team. Though Cowley noted Vucevic was a target of frustration from Bulls fans, he says the team wants to extend Vucevic’s contract.

“A source said both sides want [Vucevic] to stay with the team beyond the last year of his contract this coming season and will have initial discussions on what that might look like when training camp begins in the fall,” Cowley wrote.

Vucevic is making $22 million in the upcoming season, which is the last year on his four-year, $100 million deal.

Vucevic turns 32 in October and will be in his third season with the Bulls after nine with Orlando. The big man averaged 17.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game last season. His scoring was down as new addition DeMar DeRozan carried the offensive load. There was concern about his defense, but the Bulls apparently feel he is important enough of a piece to want to have him back.