No extension, but Portis stays loyal to Chicago Bulls
It's probably safe to say Bobby Portis has a hefty payday in his future.
But he decided to delay its arrival for a few months. The Chicago Bulls and Portis did not agree to a contract extension before Monday's deadline, so he will become a restricted free agent next summer.
The same is true for backup point guard Cameron Payne, but more eyes were on Portis, who was arguably the Bulls' best player during the preseason.
"I think I have a big opportunity," Portis said Tuesday at the Advocate Center. "But money isn't on my mind. I'm more worried about the team. I've always been a team-first guy. I'm more worried about our success and pushing forward to get better."
The 6-foot-11 forward has a strong comparison working in his favor. Indiana's Myles Turner agreed to a four-year extension worth $72 million guaranteed, with incentives that could raise the total to $80 million, according to reports.
Turner was the No. 11 pick of the 2015 NBA draft, while Portis went 22nd. Turner is clearly the better shot-blocker, but otherwise Portis compares very well.
Last season Portis averaged 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and shot 47.1 percent from the field, compared to Turner's 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 47.9 percent.
And Turner started nearly every game he played the past two years. Compare the two players per 36 minutes and the difference is even more drastic. Portis averaged 21.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per 36 minutes, while Turner was at 16.2 points and 8.2 boards.
This summer, Zach LaVine signed a four-year, $78 million offer sheet from Sacramento as a restricted free agent, which the Bulls matched. Chances are, Portis' next contract could be at a higher number, especially if he continues his early pace.
Portis averaged 17.0 points and shot 53.7 percent in limited minutes during the preseason.
Three other players around the league agreed to rookie contract extensions: Minnesota's Karl Anthony Towns (supermax to be determined), Miami's Justise Winslow (three years, $39 million) and Cleveland's Larry Nance Jr. (four years, $45 million).
Portis expressed nothing but high regard for the Bulls, even calling out owners and management by name, thanking them for trying to negotiate a new deal.
"Obviously, I want to be here long term," Portis said. "We decided to put things off until the spring. I want to thank them first and foremost.
"I love the game. I just want to go out there and play and have fun. The contract wasn't on my mind when I was going out there in preseason, playing. I was just having fun, playing my best basketball, and doing what I do."
The Bulls took a chance by continuing to believe in Portis after last year's unfortunate practice altercation, which sent former teammate Nikola Mirotic to the hospital. For now, it appears they made the right call.
"I couldn't see myself in no other jersey," Portis said. "Obviously, I got Bulls DNA. Me and the city have a love connection somewhere. At the same time, I just enjoy playing for the Bulls. Hopefully in the spring, things can work out."
It's rare for restricted free agents to change teams in the NBA, since the current team has the right to match any offer sheet. An exception was the Bulls landing Jabari Parker from the Bucks, but that happened because Milwaukee wasn't that interested in keeping him.
Portis insisted his contract situation will not be a distraction this season. He likely will be in the starting lineup, filling in for the injured Lauri Markkanen, when the Bulls open Thursday at Philadelphia, but coach Fred Hoiberg has not made that official.
"No distraction at all. I play this game because I love it," he said. "Obviously, you want to make as much money as possible to help your family. But I started playing basketball because it's fun to me and I loved it.
"I still have that same passion, that same heart every night I go out there. For me, I'm not the type of player who just relies on one thing. I give it my all each night, go 110 percent whether I'm tired or not. My game won't change."
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