According to Matt Moore of The Action Network, Nikola Vucevic could be the next talent to leave Chicago.
The veteran big man, 33, has spent the last three seasons in the Windy City following a trade from the Orlando Magic. He has two years remaining on his current 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,” Moore reported.
The Bulls have struggled to make good on its potential as a contending team. Lonzo Ball’s long-term knee injury was a major blow to the front office’s vision. As such, the team is being stripped down as the franchise enters a rebuild. Alex Caruso was the first domino to fall. DeMar DeRozan could leave in free agency, and the Zach LaVine saga looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Vucevic is a modern-day big man. He can stretch the floor, protect the rim and clean the glass. In 76 games for the Bulls this season, he averaged 18 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field.
There should be a legitimate trade market for Vucevic, especially if he’s willing to embrace a bench role. He would bring size and veteran leadership to the table.
Chicago would likely want a package built around young talent or draft picks to part with their starting big man. Either of those assets would put the franchise in a better position to be active in the trade market.
Vucevic moving to a new situation could give him the chance to have a strong end to his prime years. Chicago must start stockpiling assets to help build around Josh Giddey, acquired via the Caruso trade, and Patrick Williams.
The Bulls’ trajectory has changed, and Vucevic no longer fits the roadmap. It’s time for him to move on. It’s what’s best for both parties.