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Nikola Vučević has been seen as a potential trade candidate leading up to Thursday’s deadline, but the Chicago Bulls big man is reportedly expecting to stay put.
K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reported Tuesday that Vučević is “prepared” to remain in Chicago, especially since the Golden State Warriors “have shifted attention to bigger targets, including Kevin Durant.”
From the Bulls’ perspective, it makes little sense to hold onto the big man unless there is absolutely nothing of value available.
After all, they already traded Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings in the deal that brought De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. They also didn’t bring back DeMar DeRozan this past offseason and aren’t a realistic contender in the Eastern Conference at 22-29 even after Tuesday’s win over the Miami Heat.
The 34-year-old Vučević is signed through just next season, and it is difficult to envision the Bulls being a force in the East while he is still under contract.
Instead, they can shift their focus toward a rebuild that seemed to pick up steam with the LaVine trade and attempt to add draft capital and young players.
But that only works if there is a willing trade partner, and the Warriors looking elsewhere could limit the potential suitors. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype also listed the Los Angeles Lakers as an interested party but noted Chicago “may have to settle for multiple second-round picks if they move him.”
Given that reality, it begins to make more sense why Vučević is preparing to stay put.
After all, the Bulls could always look to trade him during the offseason or the 2025-26 campaign if the alternative is settling for second-round picks. It will likely still be in rebuilding mode at that time, so the outlook would be quite similar.
And if Vučević continues to play well as a double-double threat every time he steps on the floor, there will likely still be some value to be had in a trade at that point.
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