NBA teams make decisions with great care. How could they not? These are multibillion-dollar corporations. There’s a lot at stake.
Nobody wants to be hasty. That’s especially true when it comes to the decision to rebuild. That’s not a choice to be taken lightly.
Rebuilding can be an exhausting process for players, fans, and executives alike. At the same time, sometimes, it’s the best decision that a team can make.
Take the Chicago Bulls. This team needs to rebuild, and everyone knows it. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Clippers are trying to stave off a rebuild.
Could they acquire Nikola Vucevic from the Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Clippers Land Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Norman Powell, C Ivica Zubac, G/F Brandon Boston Jr., 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: C Nikola Vucevic, G Jevon Carter, F Torrey Craig
The Clippers may be trying to avoid a rebuild. Eventually, those efforts may be in vain. This team has a lot to be worried about. Arguably, those worries start with Kawhi Leonard.
Sure, Paul George is injury-prone. He’s still able to get on the floor – and when he does, he still looks like an All-NBA caliber player.
On the other hand, Leonard has looked shaky this year. He might also be the most injury-prone player in the NBA. Yet, the Clippers could be equally concerned about James Harden.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
After all, the team hasn’t won a game since acquiring him. That’s concerning. If the Clippers don’t meet expectations this year, they’ll have to take a long look in the mirror this summer.
Does this deal help them avoid that fate?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Clippers may have a lot of problems. They’ve also got a lot of talent. There is still a possibility that this team could explode. Imagine if they added Vucevic.
Frankly, the Clippers may have enough talent to contend even without Leonard after making this deal. They’ll also maximize their spacing by adding Vucevic.
Add Leonard into this mix, and if he can return to form, it’s the most talented team in the NBA. The Clippers do this deal to increase their ceiling. They’re not only landing Vucevic, either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Craig is a suitable replacement for the departed Robert Covington and Nicolas Batum. Jevon Carter could replace Russell Westbrook in their rotation, and even if he doesn’t, he’s an excellent insurance policy.
Should the Bulls give him up?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Bulls fans may feel like they’re getting the short end of a stick here. We sympathize. Vucevic is putting up All-Star numbers again this year. What gives?
Well, Vucevic is old. He’s on a long-term, significant contract. He’s also a defensive liability. If the Bulls put him in the open market, they may not get the type of return that his production would otherwise warrant.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Still, a distant pick swap from an aging, injury-prone Clippers team has some value. Boston Jr. is a young player with some potential, and Powell and Zubac should be easy to move down the line. This is a good deal for the Bulls – even if it’s a decision that they won’t take lightly.
