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Ranking the 5 best available NBA free agent centers in 2023

By Jakob Ashlin

Mar 19, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) looks to pass the ball against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) looks to pass the ball against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA free agent centers
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic drives to the net against Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Best available NBA free agent centers: 4. Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic was a blockbuster addition for the Chicago Bulls in 2021. He has been solid in his time with the franchise, averaging 18.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks.

However, the Bulls finished with a 40-42 record last season. At the moment, they appear to be far outside of title contention. Signing Vucevic to an expensive contract would essentially lock the Bulls into a core of Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine; that is not a top-three that can compete with the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, Vucevic is 32 years old, and DeRozan is 33 years old.

The Bulls could simply let Vucevic walk this offseason, as they look to reshuffle the roster. Barring a below-market contract, it would be in the franchise’s best interest.

Vucevic is still a valuable starting center. He could play significant minutes for a contender. Teams looking for a center, such as the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks, could explore a sign-and-trade for him.

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