KC Johnson: Mark Bartelstein spent hours at the Bulls’ practice facility on Monday, trying to get a deal done in face-to-face negotiations with Bulls GM Gar Forman. “We had very positive talks,” Bartelstein said. “These are hard extensions to get done.”
More on Bobby Portis Extension?
KC Johnson: Deadline for Bobby Portis extension is 5 pm Central. Sides are talking. In 2012, Portis’ agent negotiated extension for Taj Gibson with Bulls management minutes before deadline. Will history repeat?
A big man very much in the Bulls’ plans is Bobby Portis. Sources said the Bulls recently made a multiyear offer to Portis, who has until the day before the 2018-19 season begins to sign an extension off his rookie-scale contract or he’ll be a restricted free agent. Talks are expected to continue.
The Bobby Portis story has evolved from the preseason, where he put the punch in punchline following his incident with Nikola Mirotic and many felt he shouldn’t have played another game in a Bulls uniform. [...] Those good graces may have the Bulls truly evaluating where Portis fits long-term, and it could work to the benefit of both sides as they could engage in contract extension talks this summer before Portis is scheduled to hit restricted free agency, if the two sides don't reach a deal this October.
A front office source tells NBCSportsChicago.com a deal for Portis “will be discussed” this summer, as Portis has had a breakout third season, averaging 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. In the 11 games since the Bulls traded Mirotic to New Orleans, Portis’ tangible production has matched his efficiency, as he’s averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 47 percent and 39 percent from 3-point range.
Over 20 teams reached out to the Bulls with the thought to acquire him, sources told NBCSportsChicago.com in October when Mirotic issued his “Portis or me” ultimatum during his recovery from a concussion and facial injuries.
It would go against Bulls precedent, as only Derrick Rose received a contract extension before going into restricted free agency, but Portis will be open to contract talks this summer, according to sources.
