The Chicago Bulls have been exploring ways to upgrade the center position and have viewed it as an area of need for an extended period, according to sources cited by Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com.
Afseth reported Friday that Chicago has shown interest in Yves Missi, whose responsibilities with the New Orleans Pelicans have diminished during his second NBA season.
At present, the Bulls’ frontcourt rotation features Nikola Vucevic and Zach Collins at center, while Jalen Smith splits time between the four and the five.
However, both Vucevic and Collins are on expiring contracts, with Collins also sidelined by a toe injury, adding urgency to Chicago’s long-term planning at the position.
Those factors help explain why the Bulls are monitoring younger options like Yves Missi as they evaluate ways to stabilize the center position beyond the current season.
Missi has played two seasons with the Pelicans, averaging 7.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in 109 regular-season games.
Coach Billy Donovan explains why he sat Matas Buzelis for the entire fourth quarter on Wednesday, plus more on the Bulls. https://t.co/y6YiMg1Myp
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