The Chicago Bulls are right on the cusp of the play-in for the NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference. They have a record of 19-24, holding onto the 10th seed by 1.5 games over the Toronto Raptors. Now, they are trying to make a big-time trade for Orlando Magic star Nikola Vucevic.
The NBA Trade Deadline presents them with a difficult question to answer. Do they want to be buyers or sellers? It certainly sounds like they are leaning toward being buyers, as Thaddeus Young has reportedly been taken off the table and they are making a push to acquire Lonzo Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans as well.
The biggest indication the Bulls are buyers at this deadline? According to an NBA executive that talked to NBA Analysis Network, Chicago is making a late aggressive push to acquire Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic.
“The Bulls want to make a major move and have always loved the idea of pairing Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. It isn’t likely, but they are making a late attempt to get a trade done with the Magic.”
The Bulls would certainly be swinging for the fences with that one. Any time you can pair multiple All-Stars together, it is an avenue worth exploring. While Orlando has been holding steady about wanting to hold onto Vucevic, there have been reports about what kind of packages it would take to land him in a trade.
At a minimum, the package that the Pelicans received for Jrue Holiday would be the starting point. Multiple first-round picks, pick swaps and young players would be asked for by the Magic.
The former USC Trojan is having an excellent season in Orlando, which culminated in his second All-Star game selection. Vucevic leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 24.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. He chips in 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game as well.
Orlando currently resides in the 14th spot in the Eastern Conference, 4.5 games behind the Bulls. It is widely believed they will make multiple moves before the deadline, even if that doesn’t include a Vucevic blockbuster deal.
