When surveying the NBA’s landscape, there are certain teams worth keeping an eye on. We’re talking about obvious buyers and obvious sellers. Some teams may blow up their core, and others will look to strengthen theirs.
The Chicago Bulls fall into the former camp. This team doesn’t appear to be in a rush to rebuild. Fair enough. Soon, they may not have much of a choice. This team was extremely disappointing in 2022-23. If they’re repeating that performance leading up to this year’s trade deadline, they’ll have to make some moves.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers could be buyers. It’s possible that they’ll simply hold steady. If this team is living up to expectations throughout the year, they may not do anything. On the other hand, if they look like they just need a little boost, the Lakers could make a trade. Could they trade for Nikola Vucevic of the Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Nikola Vucevic
Sometimes, we anticipate moves long before they actually happen. The majority of the NBA-watching world may think that a certain team should make certain decisions. That doesn’t mean they’ll make them. That team may have considerations to make that we’re not considering.
Look at the Lakers. When this team acquired Russell Westbrook, the decision was met with some skepticism. Why would a non-shooting lead ball-handler compliment LeBron James? In the end, he didn’t. Why did it take the Lakers so long to recognize that? Shouldn’t they have moved Westbrook sooner?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Los Angeles Lakers & Chicago Bulls Updates
Perhaps. On the other hand, Westbrook’s trade value had taken a hit. The Lakers may have had to wait until his contract was expiring to be able to get any value for him. By contrast, the Bulls just extended Vucevic. Could they really move him this season?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Well, they couldn’t at this very moment. Having just been extended, Vucevic is subject to trade restrictions. That’s fine. It feels like the Bulls want to give this thing a little more time anyway. If it’s working, they may want to hang onto Vooch.
Are you optimistic? Why would you be? The Bulls have the same core. They’ve got the same coach. It’s not impossible that this team will look improved next season, but we don’t think it’s likely. The Bulls are probably delaying the inevitable. Here, they’d finally be ripping off the bandaid.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Los Angeles Lakers & Chicago Bulls Updates
They’re getting a good deal for Vucevic in the process. He’s aging, and generally a defensive liability: Vucevic may not command a first-round pick. Still, the Bulls are getting two quality young players in exchange for him here. Should the Lakers give Hachimura and Vanderbilt up?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Similarly, the Lakers may not want to rush to make this deal. If Hachimura is able to build on his 2022-23 playoff performance, they’ll want to hang onto him. On the other hand, if he regresses to the level he’s been at for most of his career, they’ll entertain this deal.
After all, Vanderbilt fell out of this team’s playoff rotation anyway. Largely, that was due to his inability to shoot. Vanderbilt is a suboptimal fit alongside Anthony Davis and James. Guess who can shoot? Vucevic is one of the better floor-spacing big men in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Los Angeles Lakers & Chicago Bulls Updates
He’s one of the league’s best passing bigs, too. Vucevic would give this offense a whole new dynamic. On the other end, Vucevic may be limited. That’s OK. He’ll have Anthony Davis flanking him. In other words, this is a situation worth keeping an eye on.
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