Jan 30, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) talks with Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Even at the ripe old age of 34, Nikola Vucevic is having one of, if not the best, seasons of his career.

The 14-year veteran is averaging a double-double with 19.7 points and 10.4 rebounds, but that’s not what makes his 2024-25 campaign remarkable. Vucevic has averaged a double-double in all but three of his NBA seasons.

What makes this year an outlier is the two-time All-Star’s offensive efficiency. He’s shooting a career-high 54.8 percent from the field, which blows away his previous career high of 52.3. He’s also shooting a career-best 40.1 percent from three-point range, making him one of the most efficient scoring big men in the NBA.

That’s a valuable archetype in today’s league, one that any championship-contending team would welcome with open arms.

And somehow, it appears Chicago could completely whiff on its best chance to get anything worthwhile in exchange for that kind of valuable pseudo-star.

Bulls playing with fire with Nikola Vucevic asking price

Since the inception of Vucevic trade rumors this season, Chicago has reportedly been asking for a first-round pick in exchange for their veteran center. They haven’t found what they’re looking for; in fact, they’ve reportedly turned down multiple chances to deal him, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times (h/t Hoops Rumors).

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype added that the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers both hold interest in Vucevic but also wrote that “the Bulls have held out hope for a first-round pick for Vučević.”

The franchise hasn’t found an offer to its liking, presumably because it hasn’t been able to find that first-round selection. But Scotto also added that the Bulls “may have to settle for multiple second-round picks.”

Vucevic is undoubtedly having a career year. He’s also at the tail end of his career, a minus defensively (to put it nicely) and is owed more than $20 million next season.

Could the Warriors, Lakers or any other mystery teams use a player like Vucevic, even with his warts? Absolutely. Will they hand the Bulls a first-round pick for him? With fewer than 24 hours to go until the trade deadline, that remains a mystery, but it’s not a mystery Chicago can wait to solve.

Whether it’s a first-round pick or some number of second-rounders, the franchise has to cash in on Vucevic before the 2025 deadline passes or risk setting its rebuild back. Again.