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Come Fan with UsThursday, July 9, 2026

Joel Przybilla Expected To Sign With Either Bulls Or Heat This Week, According To Report

Free agent center Joel Przybilla waited through the free agency period following the NBA lockout but is now reportedly nearing a deal. He is expected to choose between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls this week.

Bill Hanstock
Bill Hanstock is a writer, author and Emmy Award-winning producer. He began writing for SB Nation in 2011.

Joel Przybilla was in no rush to return to the NBA following the 2011 lockout. Although the former Charlotte Bobcats center was able to sign with a team when free agency began, he instead waited out the free agency period to recuperate from injuries and get back into shape. He also waited, perhaps, in order to make sure he received the best possible offer.

Sean Deveney of the Sporting News reported on Wednesday that according to Przybilla's agent Bill Duffy, the center is expected to choose between either the Miami Heat or the Chicago Bulls before the end of the week.

Przybilla was previously rumored to be considering a deal either with his hometown team of the Milwaukee Bucks where he started his NBA career, or with another of his old teams the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played the longest. He was with the Blazers from 2004 until 2011, when he was traded mid-season to the Charlotte Bobcats.

While either, or both of those teams may have been in the running for his services, it is understandable that Przybilla would entertain offers from the Bulls or the Heat, both of which figure to be easy playoff contenders this year.

For all news and information on the Chicago Bulls, please visit Blog A Bull or SB Nation Chicago. For updates and perspective on the Miami Heat, head on over to Peninsula is Mightier or SB Nation Tampa Bay.

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