Bulls have a new 'Big Three' but also have three big decisions to make

All eyes will be on the Bulls’ latest version of the “Big Three” this offseason.

Well, as big a “Big Three” as a mediocre, 39-win lottery team can have.

That doesn’t change the fact that Nikola Vucevic, Josh Giddey and Coby White each put together career years throughout the 2024-25 campaign, and an argument can be made that the organization could keep all three or move any or 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), while averaging 18.5 points per game – his best scoring average in the last four seasons. He also overcame a cold shooting middle of the season, finishing with a career-high 40.2% accuracy from three-point range. Only the second time in his career he’s finished 40% or higher from three.

Where he stands: Vucevic will enter the final year of his current deal and will make $21.4 million.

What he said: The veteran opened some eyes at the exit meeting interviews on Thursday, really insisting for the first time that a deep playoff run was becoming a priority for him at this age.

“There are some good young pieces that can be built around,” Vucevic said. “A lot of questions when you are 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 am at the stage in my career where I am trying to win now, play in the playoffs and hopefully 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 will once again look to move the center, making room for Zach Collins to be the temporary starter or drafting a young rim protector. Vucevic does have an expiring deal, but in a likelihood, he could be moved more easily at the February trade deadline.

Fantasy trade: The Bulls send a package of Vucevic, Coby White and Jevon Carter to New Orleans for Zion Williamson.

JOSH GIDDEY

What he did: Acquired in the Alex Caruso trade with Oklahoma City last July, Giddey led the Bulls with 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. After the All-Star Break, Giddey finished the season averaging a ridiculous 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game, while shooting 45.7% from three. His defense did improve, but he was a bit exposed during the play-in loss to the Heat once again.

Where he stands: Giddey will be a restricted free agent and is looking for at least $30 million per year.

What he said: Giddey was asked which player the Bulls might have to pay for in the offseason – the Giddey that was benched late in several games during the first half of the season or the one that put up All-Star numbers in the second half.

“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,” Giddey said. “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 go to market where there are limited suitors, see what the market bids on him, and then have the right to match it. Basically, what they should have 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, let him test the market, and he gets a four-year, $108-million offer from the Nets. Bulls match it and let him continue to prove himself.

COBY WHITE

What he did: White became the best scoring threat the Bulls have, especially after Zach LaVine was traded on Feb. 2. His 20.4 points per game for the season was a career high, but he really showed off the final 26 games, averaging 24.5 points per game over that time.

Where he stands: White is going into the final year of his current deal, making $12.9 million next season. He is 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 upcoming 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 team’s best player and maybe their best trade asset. Would they dare? 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.