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Oklahoma City Thunder considered a good fit for Nikola Vucevic
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Although reports indicate that the Chicago Bulls and their soon-to-be free-agent center Nikola Vucevic have already begun discussing a contract extension, it’s still uncertain if a deal will be made. Numerous reports have alluded to the sweet-shooting big man’s desire for a raise, while the Bulls’ current financial situation makes it difficult to offer an attractive deal.
This is why the Oklahoma City Thunder could be an ideal fit for Vucevic. The Thunder are a team on the rise, and adding the veteran center could help them significantly in the upcoming season.
Make a leap
The Thunder are primed to enter the playoff picture in the Western Conference. While most pundits pegged them to have another rebuilding year, the Thunder defied all expectations and made it to the Play-in Tournament, where they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With a young and talented roster led by All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC could make a leap if they add a player like Vucevic in the middle.
Vucevic’s presence would give the Thunder a proven big man who can score from anywhere on the court and provide an interior presence. His size and savviness on the glass would also help bolster rebounding and provide some interior offense—something the Thunder struggled with this season.
Could offer Vooch money and opportunity
According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, the Thunder can offer the big man both money and opportunity in the form of a $25 million-a-year deal.
“For example, let’s say Thunder GM Sam Presti and coach Mark Daigneault (one of the up-and-coming best coaches in the league) decide what they need is true five to help Chet Holmgren transition to the NBA,” Smith wrote.
“Or maybe they decide Holmgren is more of a four than a five, which is still an open question. The Thunder could hand a contract worth $25 million or more per season to Brook Lopez or Nikola Vucevic or Jakob Poeltl. The key will be to keep that deal short enough (no more than two seasons), that if it goes sideways, OKC isn’t on the hook for very long,” Smith added.
