According to Matt Moore of Action Network, the Chicago Bulls are shopping two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic. The 33-year-old still has two years remaining on his three-year, $60 million contract.
“The Bulls are known to be looking to move Nikola Vucevic, along with the never-ending Zach LaVine saga. The Caruso trade both helps and hurts those efforts because Caruso’s contract was a quality lubricant for teams willing to take on those contracts, which now isn’t available.”
The Bulls acquired Vucevic in March 2021 from the Orlando Magic. In his Bulls tenure, the big man has appeared in 257 games over parts of four seasons. During that span, Vucevic has averaged 18.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Chicago Bulls “Looking to Move” Former NBA All-Star
Nikola Vucevic May Not Be the Only Bulls Player on the Move
The Bulls have already kicked their offseason off with a big change. On June 20, the team sent guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey. However, it seems like the Bulls will not stop there. In addition to the Vucevic rumors, it has been reported the Bulls may move on from Lonzo Ball. Trading for Giddey may be the first step towards that for Chicago.
“The Bulls have been determined to find a playmaker to replace Lonzo Ball, and Giddey , 21, comes with an All-Star potential that would unlikely be realized with the Thunder because of the playmaking starpower who surrounded him. The Bulls will offer him an opportunity to have the ball in his hands and so much more freedom pass and score.”
Additionally, star DeMar DeRozan may leave this summer as well. The 34-year-old is now expected to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. Previously, reports indicated the two sides were aiming for a new contract before the beginning of the offseason. However, per K.C. Johnson, a Bulls insider, there is “little momentum” towards a new contract for DeRozan.
“Giddey’s acquisition, which Artūras Karnišovas will address following Wednesday’s first round, could signal an open-mindedness to getting off the middle-of-the-road path of mediocrity that the Bulls are on currently. It certainly calls into question the future of DeMar DeRozan, who will be an unrestricted free agent on June 30 unless the Bulls re-sign him first. As of late last week, little momentum existed for a new deal.”
Furthermore, the Bulls appear to still have interest in trading Zach Lavine this summer. However, nothing is imminent yet.
The Last Word on Nikola Vucevic
Vucevic is a great center who can help stretch the floor. Additionally, he is a good rebounder and possesses a lot of useful tools that contending teams might have interest in. There are numerous teams around the league looking for a center, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans. Currently, it is unclear where Vucevic might end up. However, if the Bulls do decide to move on from him after three years, he will likely be a desired trade candidate. His status will be worth monitoring during the 2024 NBA offseason.
