The Chicago Bulls have found a gem in D.J. Augustin this season, but it is still unknown at this point whether or not the Bulls intend to keep him next season when Derrick Rose returns from a knee injury.
Augustin is having arguably the best stretch of his six-year NBA career, averaging 14.3 points on 41.7 percent shooting to go along with 5.1 assists and 2.0 rebounds since signing with the Bulls in December.
In 16 games in March, the 26-year-old point guard was very impressive for the Bulls, averaging 16.8 points on nearly 46 percent shooting from the field, while also posting 4.2 assists and 1.9 rebounds.
But despite his impressive showing this season, his future in Chicago remains unclear, considering the fact that the Bulls front office have been notorious in letting go talent over the past several seasons as pointed out by FanSided.
Understandably, Augustin stellar play this season has boosted his chances of getting lucrative deal this summer, and the Bulls might not be willing to spend a lot, considering the fact that they are expected to make a push to sign a superstar this summer.
"Chicago doesn't have to keep Augustin and their front office history recently suggests that they won't," FanSided noted. "Augustin has likely played his way into a decent offseason contract with someone else while the Bulls will look to the draft and veteran free agent market for a surrogate guard while Rose heals and returns for however long his third stint back lasts."
But if he will have it his way, Augustin, the ninth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, wants to stay in Chicago.
"I would love to be back here," Augustin told CBS Chicago. "This organization, this team is great, and I think it's great for me. Thibodeau has given me the opportunity to play and get better. It's been great for me."
Bulls center Joakim Noah is also reportedly lobbying for Augustin to sign a new contract in the offseason and stay in Chicago in the long run.
"I'm just happy he's with the Bulls. I think he found a home here and I hope he can stay for a long time," ESPN Chicago writer Nick Friedell posted on his Twitter account.
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