As the dust settles on the NBA Finals and the offseason machinery roars to life, 28 teams are already deep into planning for the 2025-26 campaign. For the Chicago Bulls, a franchise at a critical crossroads, the upcoming weeks promise a whirlwind of decisions. Beyond the highly anticipated NBA Draft and the frenetic opening of free agency, a crucial, often overlooked aspect of team building takes center stage: contract extensions. This summer, a surprising seven players on the Bulls’ current roster are eligible for new deals. The burning question for Bulls Nation: Who among these key contributors will be part of the future, and who will be shown the door? The answers could redefine the team’s trajectory.
The Bulls’ front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas, faces a complex puzzle this offseason. With a blend of veterans, promising young talent, and question marks surrounding their competitive direction, the decisions regarding these seven extension-eligible players will paint a clearer picture of Chicago’s long-term vision.
Nikola Vucevic: The Veteran Big Man on the Trade Block Nikola Vucevic, entering the final year of his $60 million deal, is perhaps the most straightforward case. Despite a solid statistical season (18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 40.2% from three on 4.4 attempts), his age (35 in October) and desire for “deep playoff runs” clash with the Bulls’ current reality. Trade rumors have swirled around him for over a year, with the Golden State Warriors showing significant interest previously. While a deal didn’t materialize then, the groundwork is laid. It’s highly unlikely the Bulls will offer him an extension; instead, they’ll actively seek a trade partner, or he’ll remain a trade candidate until the next deadline. Vucevic’s defensive flaws are a concern, but his offensive consistency and health make him an attractive target for a “win-now” contender.
Coby White: The Untouchable Talent Who May Walk Coby White’s situation is both a blessing and a curse for the Bulls. He’s the only remaining player from the previous regime and has demonstrably improved every season, transforming into a dynamic, three-level scorer. His career-high averages of 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, coupled with impressive shooting splits (45.3% FG, 90.3% FT), underscore his breakout performance, especially in the latter part of last season post-Zach LaVine trade. At just 25, White perfectly fits a rebuilding timeline.
However, White’s current “team-friendly” $36 million deal ($12.9 million next season) works against the Bulls. Due to extension rules (140% of final-year salary), the maximum offer the Bulls can make is around $18 million annually – significantly “FAR below market value.” It would be “foolish” for White’s camp to accept, as he can hit unrestricted free agency in 2026 and command a much larger contract. Therefore, despite his immense value, an extension for White is highly improbable. Intriguingly, this scenario might even spark “trade rumors” for White, as the Bulls consider “testing his market” before potentially losing him for nothing.
Ayo Dosunmu: The Injury Gamble with Potential for Security Ayo Dosunmu, another intriguing young guard, presents a “maybe” scenario. His strong fourth season (12.3 points, 4.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds, near 50% FG) was cut short by a serious shoulder injury requiring surgery. While he’s expected back, “rust” is a factor, and a “well-defined role” might be elusive with Coby White and potentially Josh Giddey on the roster.
This uncertainty makes an extension a “true conversation” for Dosunmu. Long-term security after an injury is always appealing. While the 140% rule means the Bulls’ maximum offer starts at a modest $9.4 million, the ability to offer up to 140% of the league’s average annual salary (around $16.7 million last season) could be “pretty darn enticing.” If the Bulls see him as a potential replacement for White or a valuable rotation piece, this could be a strategic move. This is the most likely extension out of the group.
Zach Collins: The Unexpected Surprise Zach Collins, acquired in the Zach LaVine trade, capitalized on Vucevic’s injury to deliver a strong showing (14.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 58.7% FG, 10-27 from deep). He even proved to be “arguably the team’s best defensive option at the five.” While his impact lessened in a reserve role, he gave the Bulls “something to think about.” However, with Jalen Smith already under contract through 2026-27, the Bulls will likely “prefer to keep their options open” at center. An extension is unlikely now, but “maybe a future IF he plays well during his first full season.”
Julian Phillips & Dalen Terry: Raw Potential Awaiting Development These two young wings, both long and athletic but struggling with shooting, are clumped together. Neither has secured a consistent role, averaging under 13 minutes. While Terry shows “hustle” and perimeter defense, and Phillips is a “ridiculous athlete” with Derrick Jones Jr. comparisons, their inconsistent three-point shooting and occasional foul/turnover issues limit their current impact. The Bulls still control their future via club options and qualifying offers, so they “need at least another season to see whether or not either can emerge as a real rotational difference-maker.” Extensions are not expected.
Jevon Carter: The Odd Man Out Jevon Carter saw his role diminish significantly, from 72 games in his first season to just 36 this year. With a “deep backcourt,” he’s become “nothing more than a veteran voice.” Unless he’s part of a trade package, his “marriage to end next summer” seems likely. An extension is out of the question.
The Chicago Bulls’ offseason promises to be pivotal, and the decisions regarding these seven extension-eligible players will heavily influence their future trajectory. While Vucevic and White are highly unlikely to sign extensions due to trade considerations and market value discrepancies, respectively, Ayo Dosunmu presents a compelling “maybe” case for long-term security after his injury. Collins, Phillips, Terry, and Carter will likely need to prove more or seek opportunities elsewhere. This complex web of contracts, potential trades, and player development underscores the challenging rebuild ahead for the Bulls, as they attempt to balance immediate needs with a sustainable path to consistent contention. Bulls fans should brace for a summer of significant roster churn and strategic maneuvers.