The Chicago Bulls have found themselves sitting on the verge of a play-in spot since the 2022-33 season. After trading away Zach LaVine at the deadline and DeMar DeRozan over the 2024 offseason, the Bulls are seeking a higher draft position. However, there is one veteran still in Chicago, and his future seems questionable. Is it time they explore a Nikola Vucevic trade?
Should the Bulls Explore a Nikola Vucevic Trade This Offseason?
After this season’s trade deadline, it is apparent that the Bulls are ready and willing to send off Vucevic if the price is right. In the eleventh hour, a potential deal involving the Golden State Warriors failed to materialize as they could not agree on a return package. Despite Vucevic being an All-Star caliber center who can impact winning basketball, having him on this roster for the remainder of the season is a good thing. The Bulls’ young, developing core still needs an experienced player to guide them. Backup center Jalen Smith can specifically benefit from Vucevic’s presence.
Since the Bulls traded LaVine, they have a 1-4 record. There is a good chance that they can still improve their draft lottery odds while the Swiss big man coaches the young guns. After this season, however, it would not be surprising to see the Bulls pull the trigger on a Vucevic trade.
Vucevic’s Contract Situation
The 2025-26 season is the final year of Vucevic’s three-year deal, and he is set to earn $21.5 million. With the team looking to free agency, shedding his contract value for some picks or younger talent would open up cap space.
It’s unclear what a Vucevic trade would give the Bulls in return, considering his age and that he has just one year left on his deal. Regardless, it’s best to get some sort of value for him. Additionally, being an aging veteran, Vucevic could be a valuable piece for a competing team chasing a championship. Teams like that often have young role players who could produce in meaningful minutes for the Bulls, or they have some draft picks up for grabs to help secure the Bulls’ future. Despite trade talks falling through at the deadline, Chicago should look to the Warriors for a possible Vucevic trade in the offseason.
Vucevic is truly the last piece the Bulls have that would garner heavy trade interest that could return a meaningful player or draft package. He is a 13-year vet averaging just shy of 20 points per game and shoots an incredible 38% from three. A lot of teams would welcome that level of play and could help the Bulls rebuild in the process.
The Alternative Options
There are two alternative scenarios that do not help the Bulls. First, they let him play out his contract and re-sign him. This puts the Bulls on the books for another expensive contract, as he still plays at a high level. It also prevents the front office from acquiring younger talent in the market. The Bulls are in no position to compete for a championship in the next few seasons, so this would not be a smart move for either party.
Second, they let Vucevic play out his contract and let him walk in 2026 free agency. This is the worst possible case for the Bulls. Vucevic is still playing at a high level, and if they lost him for nothing in the midst of a rebuild, it would hurt the timeline. They need to capitalize off of his numbers while they are hot and make a return.
This is not to say that Vucevic is not wanted in Chicago. He is happy to play for the Bulls, and his consistency is welcomed by fans. Vucevic plays excellent basketball and is proud to do so. Nevertheless, a Vucevic trade is simply best for both parties. If the Bulls can put him in a winning position and find a return for his contract value, there is truly no loser.
