The Chicago Bulls are expected to have another underwhelming season when the NBA returns in October.
The Bulls have made the playoffs only once in the last eight years (2020-21), resulting in a 4-1 first-round defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The team’s front office has finally decided to enter a rebuild, trading away Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, and Alex Caruso, but much more needs to be done.
A former Orlando Magic player has now mocked the Bulls in a message to experienced center Nikola Vucevic.
Fournier’s 12-year NBA career featured stints with the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Detroit Pistons.
The shooting guard was a quality starter in his prime, averaging almost 20 points per game, but his impact dwindled in recent years.
That’s why he decided to leave the United States for EuroLeague team Olympiacos last September, where he won the Greek championship in his debut season.
Fournier has really enjoyed his time in Greece so far and has now agreed to a three-year contract extension.
He posted on social media: “Olympiacos welcomed me like family. This isn’t a new chapter. It’s the continuation of something strong. Couldn’t be happier to be part of this sacré club for 3 more seasons. See you all soon.”
Former Magic teammate Vucevic then replied: “Feel sorry for Olympiacos fans having to watch this d—–bag for 3 more seasons.”
He was obviously joking, but Fournier still felt obliged to respond to his friend with a dig that Bulls fans will not have enjoyed.
“It’s ok, bro, I know you’re tired of playing for the lottery,” he commented. He’s probably not wrong, whether Vucevic wanted his feelings made public or not.
Vucevic is still an underrated player despite making two All-Star appearances. He deserves more credit for his remarkable consistency, averaging more than 17 points per game for 11 consecutive seasons.
Even if you anticipate the 34-year-old declining in the 2024-25 season, he could still be a starting center on a contending team.
The Bulls have no hope of making a deep postseason run, so they should absolutely look to trade him for a future asset or two.
The most obvious next destination for Vucevic is the Golden State Warriors, who have not properly addressed the center position in years.
An alternative is the Los Angeles Lakers, where he and Deandre Ayton would immediately turn an area of weakness into a strength.
