The Bulls are expected to keep a close eye on Walker Kessler’s contract talks with the Jazz as they search for a long-term answer at center, Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Although the 24-year-old is widely expected to remain in Utah, the situation is worth monitoring because the Jazz can match any offer as a restricted free agent.

If Kessler reaches free agency without a new deal, Cowley believes Chicago should test the market with an offer worth roughly $20 million per season.

Meanwhile, Zach Collins previously stated that he would like to stay with the Bulls, but Cowley is less convinced that will happen following Billy Donovan’s departure and the organization’s transition into a rebuilding phase.

He also expects Nick Richards, acquired from Phoenix at the trade deadline, to leave in free agency, describing him as “a strange presence in the locker room.”

While Chicago could address its need for a center in the draft, Cowley projects the team to select North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson at No. 4 and Baylor guard Cameron Carr at No. 15.

If those predictions prove accurate, new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham may need to look to free agency for help in the middle.

Central Notes: Kessler, Bulls’ Draft Options, Beasley, Boswell https://t.co/l9wyRqSW7a