Bulls might try to re-sign Nikola Vucevic this offseason

With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching, many assumed the Chicago Bulls would begin selling off pieces of its roster, including four-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic. However, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Bulls have other ideas for the veteran center. 

For now, the Bulls have decided to hang onto Vucevic, per Pincus, and even have aspirations of bringing him next season. 

"The Bulls could change course, but a couple of weeks out, that doesn't seem likely (per various NBA sources)," Pincus wrote. "Instead, look for the Bulls to try to re-sign Vucevic over the summer. 

The Bulls have more attractive pieces to trade, like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, if they desire a full-on rebuild. However, getting something rather than nothing for Vucevic sounds like the best plan for the Bulls, considering the franchise's current status. At 22-26, the Bulls are in a tough spot. They aren't the worst team in the NBA, but they're still far from being a contender, which makes gambling with Vucevic even riskier. 

Walking away empty-handed is what the Bulls are flirting with if they hang onto Vucevic past the trade deadline. The 32-year-old is in the final season of a four-year, $100 million contract and is eligible for free agency this offseason, giving Chicago no guarantees that he'll be back. 

It's possible Vucevic didn't garner enough attention on the trade market for the Bulls' liking, and the curious desire to keep him around is only posturing. We'll find out in less than two weeks when the NBA trade deadline hits on February 9 at 3 p.m.

Vucevic is having another solid season for the Bulls. In 48 contests, he's averaging 17.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, playing 33.8 minutes a game.