Bulls sign backup center to $17 million extension to avoid free agency

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Bulls sign backup center to $17 million extension to avoid free agency

Alex House, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Wed, Jul 1, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Chicago Bulls reshaped their frontcourt by trading for Nic Claxton and drafting Caleb Wilson in the span of a day, but they wish to keep some continuity in their big-man group. Backup center Zach Collins has agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract , according to ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania. The former Gonzaga standout did not dip his toe in the free agency pool for very long, as he chooses to remain in the Windy City moving forward.

The Bulls acquired Collins in a 2025 trade with the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings , but he has played only 38 games for the franchise. Wrist and toe injuries limited him to just 10 contests last season. The No. 10 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft averages 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 48.5 percent from the field for his career. Although he is not an ideal floor-spacer — 33.4 percent from 3-point range — perhaps Collins can give Chicago meaningful minutes in 2026.

It is important to note that this veteran player is only 28 years of age. A fresh start could be beneficial on occasion, but who is to say Chicago is not a good fit for him? Collins will try to log a full season with the Bulls, beginning in October. New executive vice president Bryson Graham is starting free agency on a rather modest note. He could change that in the coming days, though.

Chicago has been linked to All-Star wing Norman Powell and 3-point specialist Max Strus , leaving many to wonder how this organization plans to proceed forward. All that is confirmed at the moment is that Zach Collins is staying put.

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