Bulls news: Fred Hoiberg speaks out on Bobby Portis' future in Chicago

The Bulls may not be having a lot of success this season, but if there's any good news for them, they do have some key pieces in their lineup that they can build around in the coming years. One of them is promising young forward Bobby Portis, who has been playing well for them and is enjoying his best season as a pro.

The Chicago Bulls may not be having a lot of success this season, but if there's any good news for them, they do have some key pieces in their lineup that they can build around in the coming years. One of them is promising young forward Bobby Portis, who has been playing well for them and is enjoying his best season as a pro.

That said, it does make a lot of sense for the Bulls to start planning for their future, and securing Portis' services on a long-term contract. The team is already planning to discuss an extension with him this summer, according to NBC Sports Chicago's Vincent Goodwill, which head coach Fred Hoiberg also confirmed, stating that Portis will be a part of their plans.

“A front office source tells NBCSportsChicago.com a deal for Portis “will be discussed” this summer…”

“He's able to back down on guys down in a league that's really gone to a lot of switching. He can punish the switch on the block,” Hoiberg said. “And the important thing is, with a big guy guarding him, he has the ability to stretch the floor where he's shown the improvement over his young course of his career to do that. So, we're really happy with Bobby, and I think he's really solidified himself as a big part of our future.”

The 23-year-old Arkansas product is currently averaging career-high numbers of 13.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 21.5 minutes per game. He has also proven that he can lead the Bulls' second unit and be their focal point whenever their starters are sitting on the bench. Along with Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and Lauri Markkanen, the team has a solid young core who can mature together and can become a force to be reckoned with, especially once they gain more experience in the league.

Portis' possible contract this summer won't be cheap. When rumors came out that he was placed on the trade block in early February, a number of teams around the league showed interest in him, giving the Bulls only one option, and that is to extend a lucrative offer to him in the hopes that he will opt to continue his career in Chicago.