Bulls Commit to Future with Matas Buzelis
The Chicago Bulls are making a definitive statement about their confidence in Matas Buzelis, a promising talent in the early stages of his NBA career. On Friday, the team exercised the third-year option in Buzelis’ contract, solidifying his place with the Bulls through the 2026-27 season at a salary of $5.72 million.
Future Options and Current Earnings
Buzelis, who was selected 11th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, is set to earn $5.46 million in his second season. The Bulls now have until November 2026 to evaluate whether to exercise his fourth-year option, which would extend through the 2027-28 season. Given the trajectory of his early career, it seems highly likely that the organization will choose to secure that option as well.
Impressive Rookie Performance
The 6-foot-10 forward made a significant impression during his rookie season, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team after a strong second half of the year. Over his final 35 games, Buzelis showcased his scoring ability, averaging 13.3 points per game while demonstrating his potential as a shooter with a 37.3% success rate from beyond the arc.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Buzelis approaches his 21st birthday on October 13, he enters his second season with the Bulls poised to take on an even larger role. His combination of skill, athleticism, and length positions him as a key component of the Bulls’ core moving forward. With the organization’s backing and a clear path for development, Buzelis is focused on honing his game and contributing to a competitive Bulls squad in the upcoming season.
As the team looks to build on its foundation, Buzelis embodies the promise of a brighter future for Chicago basketball.
