Chicago operates with approximately $178 million in payroll stuck between playoff contention and rebuilding. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević lead expensive veteran core while the Bulls lack young talent to justify continued competitive spending.
DeMar DeRozan ($28M before departure), Lonzo Ball ($21M injured), and Patrick Williams ($18M) create salary challenges. Coby White ($12M) and Ayo Dosunmu ($6.9M) represent internal development as Chicago faces critical roster decisions.
Check out the Chicago Bulls players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | Centers |
| Lonzo Ball | Ayo Dosunmu | Dalen Terry | Zach Collins | Nikola Vucevic |
| Coby White | Josh Giddey | Talen Horton-Tucker | Patrick Williams | Jalen Smith |
| Jevon Carter | Kevin Huerter | Emanuel Miller | E.J. Liddell | |
| Tre Jones | Julian Phillips | Matas Buzelis | ||
| Jahmir Young |
Chicago Bulls Top 10 Highest-Paid Players
| Player | Position | Salary | Contract Through |
| Zach LaVine | SG | $43M | 2027 |
| Nikola Vučević | C | $20M | 2026 |
| Lonzo Ball | PG | $21.4M | 2025 |
| Patrick Williams | PF | $18M | 2029 |
| Coby White | PG | $12M | 2027 |
| Jevon Carter | PG | $6.8M | 2025 |
| Ayo Dosunmu | SG | $6.9M | 2028 |
| Torrey Craig | SF | $2.8M | 2025 |
| Julian Phillips | SF | $3.1M | 2028 |
| Dalen Terry | SG | $2.9M | 2027 |
LaVine earns $43 million through his five-year, $215 million max extension signed in July 2022. His scoring ability justifies the contract but injuries and defensive limitations make him difficult to build around or trade.
Vučević makes $20 million providing efficient scoring and rebounding as Chicago’s starting center. Ball collected $21.4 million despite missing entire seasons with knee injuries making his contract one of the NBA’s worst value propositions.
Williams earned $18 million through his five-year, $90 million extension signed in October 2023. The former No. 4 overall pick’s development disappointed relative to draft position and salary expectations.
Zach LaVine Contract Status and Net Worth
LaVine accumulated $168 million building a $105 million net worth across Minnesota and Chicago. His Adidas endorsement deal adds millions annually though he lacks signature shoe line despite All-Star credentials.
Vučević earned $198 million creating a $125 million net worth across Philadelphia, Orlando, and Chicago spanning 13 seasons. DeRozan collected $268 million building a $170 million fortune before his Sacramento trade.
| Player | Salary | Career Earnings (Est.) | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Endorsements |
| DeMar DeRozan | $28M | $268M | $170M | Nike (traded) |
| Zach LaVine | $43M | $168M | $105M | Adidas |
| Nikola Vučević | $20M | $198M | $125M | Nike |
| Lonzo Ball | $21.4M | $88M | $55M | Big Baller Brand |
| Patrick Williams | $18M | $35M | $21M | Nike |
| Coby White | $12M | $28M | $16M | Puma |
Ball earned $88 million building a $55 million net worth despite career-threatening injuries. His Big Baller Brand failed but family’s media ventures provide alternative income. White collected $28 million creating a $16 million fortune as 2019 seventh pick.
Lonzo Ball’s Injury-Plagued Contract Disaster
Ball earns $21.4 million in his contract’s final year after missing 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons entirely with knee cartilage damage. His absence created massive roster hole Chicago couldn’t fill while absorbing his salary.
The Bulls hoped Ball’s playmaking and defense justified his four-year, $85 million deal signed in 2021. Instead, his injuries derailed Chicago’s competitive window forcing them to play without legitimate starting point guard for multiple seasons.
Ball’s potential return provides hope but his contract represents cautionary tale about injury-prone players commanding max-level money. Chicago’s front office gambled and lost leaving franchise stuck in mediocrity.
Bulls Position Spending Shows Poor Asset Management
Chicago allocated $107 million to guards—60% of total payroll. LaVine ($43M), Ball ($21.4M), and White ($12M) lead backcourt spending. This concentration left Chicago unable to upgrade wings or frontcourt through 2024.
| Position Group | Total Spending | Top Earner | Salary |
| Guards | $107M | Zach LaVine | $43M |
| Forwards | $48M | Patrick Williams | $18M |
| Centers | $20M | Nikola Vučević | $20M |
| Bench/Rotation | $3M | Torrey Craig | $2.8M |
Forwards consumed just $48 million with Williams ($18M), DeRozan ($28M before trade), and Craig ($2.8M). Centers cost $20 million with Vučević as sole significant investment creating size disadvantages against elite competition.
Patrick Williams Extension: Overpay for Potential
Williams earns $18 million through his five-year, $90 million extension despite averaging just 10 points per game. Chicago bet on defensive versatility and shooting improvement justifying below-max but above-average salary.
His production hasn’t matched the investment through early extension years. Williams’ athleticism and three-point shooting provide value but his passive offensive approach frustrates fans expecting No. 4 pick to develop into consistent scorer.
The extension reflects Chicago’s desperation maintaining young talent while treadmill of mediocrity continues. Williams represents Bulls’ hope for internal improvement avoiding complete teardown.
Bulls Best Value Contracts Providing Depth
Ayo Dosunmu earns just $6.9 million through his four-year, $21 million extension signed in October 2023. His two-way production as 2021 second-round pick creates exceptional value justifying everyday rotation minutes.
Julian Phillips makes $3.1 million as 2023 second-round pick providing athletic wing defense. Dalen Terry collected $2.9 million developing slowly as 2022 first-round pick. Chicago’s limited success drafting and developing young talent compounds their roster construction challenges.
Torrey Craig earned $2.8 million offering veteran wing defense. His minimum contract provides depth but Chicago’s lack of impact rookie-scale contracts prevents sustainable roster improvement without dramatic changes.
FAQs
Who is Chicago Bulls’ highest-paid player?
Zach LaVine earns $43 million through his five-year, $215 million max extension signed in July 2022 running through 2027 despite trade rumors.
How much does Lonzo Ball make while injured?
Ball collected $21.4 million in his final contract year after missing two complete seasons with knee injuries creating one of NBA’s worst contract values.
What is Nikola Vučević’s salary?
Vučević makes $20 million through 2026 providing efficient scoring and rebounding as Chicago’s starting center and most consistent veteran performer.
Does Patrick Williams deserve $18 million per year?
Williams earns $18 million through his five-year extension despite averaging just 10 points per game, representing Chicago’s gamble on defensive potential over proven production.
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