Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls landing on this list was a no-brainer as they acquired the only All-Star that was on the move this year at the NBA trade deadline in Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls now have a great one-two punch with Zach LaVine and Vucevic leading the way.
Landing a player of that caliber is always a big win. The Magic were asking for a lot in exchange for Nikola Vucevic, as many believed it would take a package similar to what the New Orleans Pelicans landed in exchange for Jrue Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks. Either that was a bluff or the Bulls are the greatest negotiators in the NBA.
The Bulls ended up trading away Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., a 2021 first-round pick and a 2023-first round pick. Porter Jr. is expected to be bought out at some point, which makes this package even more head-scratching.
Yes, there is some potential for Carter Jr. to develop into a good player, but the Magic already have a young center in Mo Bamba that needs minutes for his development. If things go according to plan for Chicago, those picks won’t even be lottery picks that are being relayed over to Orlando.
Landing a player of Nikola Vucevic’s quality is always going to be a win. When you get him for the price it cost the Bulls, it is an even bigger victory.
