Growth isn’t always linear. That’s as true in the NBA as it is in life. Fans of a rebuilding team hope to see their team gradually move towards title contention. It doesn’t always go that way.
With that in mind, fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder should be celebrating. This team has seen a linear development to title contention. In 2023-24, the Thunder have a real chance of winning a championship.
We can’t say the same for the Chicago Bulls. Realistically, this team hasn’t truly rebuilt in a long time. The Bulls have been making lateral moves from mediocre veteran casts to new mediocre veteran casts.
Could they end that trend at the trade deadline by sending Nikola Vucevic to the Thunder?
NBA Trade Idea
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Davis Bertans, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C Nikola Vucevic
It’s been a difficult era for Bulls basketball. If you’re a historian of the game, you know this hasn’t always been the case. The Bulls were a dynasty in the 1990s. Led by Michael Jordan, they dominated the league as thoroughly as any team we’ve ever seen.
Understandably, it took the Bulls some time to move on from that era. Eventually, they’d land on Derrick Rose. Those teams had real potential as well.
With Rose being the youngest player to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award, the future was bright in Chicago. Unfortunately, Rose’s body would fail him, and that era would be cut short.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Since then, the Bulls have been floundering. They seem unwilling to completely rebuild, but they haven’t put a true contender together either. Could they finally rebuild this summer?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
They should. The Bulls should move Vucevic at the deadline. They should move Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan as well. If the Bulls can find a taker for Zach LaVine, they should pack his bags as well.
The only question is whether this is a fair return for Vucevic. We think it is. Vucevic is aging, and he can be a defensive liability. With that in mind, the Bulls should be happy to land this pick.
The Rockets are projected to land comfortably outside of the top four – this pick should convey. More broadly, there’s a benefit to simply getting the veterans off of this roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
The Bulls should turn their focus to the young players on their roster and maximize their lottery odds. Should the Thunder turn their attention to Vucevic?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Vucevic may be a defensive liability. That’s less of a concern for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren has emerged as an elite defensive anchor. The Thunder can afford to live with Vucevic’s limited lateral mobility as a result.
What will his role on this team be? We’re not sure. The Thunder could start Vucevic. Certainly. his ability to space the floor will make life easier for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His additional playmaking could also allow the Thunder to lean less on the struggling Josh Giddey.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Alternatively, Vucevic could be one of the best sixth men in the league. He could carry this team’s second unit when the starters are resting. Either way, this is a major injection of talent for a Thunder team that’s already grown into a title contender.
