Bulls Trade Rumors: Nikola Vučević Also Shopped amid Zach LaVine Buzz Ahead of NBA FA
Jun 27, 2024
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 19: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat during the 2024 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 19, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Eric Espada/NBAE via Getty Images)
As the Chicago Bulls continue to look for deals for Zach LaVine, the team is reportedly also shopping center Nikola Vučević, per Action Network's Matt Moore.
"The Bulls are known to be looking to move Nikola Vucevic, along with the never-ending Zach LaVine saga," he wrote. "The [Alex] Caruso trade both helps and hurts those efforts because Caruso's contract was a quality lubricant for teams willing to take on those contracts, which now isn't available."
Vučević, who is entering the second year of a three-year, $60 million contract, averaged 18 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last season, marking his seventh consecutive season averaging a double-double.
The Bulls' desire to trade the 33-year-old continues their push to seemingly get younger and enter a rebuilding stage.
Last week's trade that sent All-NBA defender Caruso to Oklahoma City for a 21-year-old Josh Giddey was Chicago's first step in building a younger roster, and trading away Vučević and LaVine would further establish that goal.
What's more, the Bulls seem as if they could let All-Star DeMar DeRozan walk in free agency this offseason. Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report reported Wednesday that Chicago and the small forward have yet to have talks about an extension as the team focuses on moving LaVine and other pieces.
The Bulls have been caught in a stream of mediocrity for much of the last decade, reaching the playoffs just twice since 2016 and failing to win a series since the 2014-2015 season.
While it has several solid pieces in LaVine, DeRozan and Vučević, those three haven't led to much success for Chicago. Shifting toward a complete rebuild could lead to a brighter future than the Bulls relying on their current group of veterans.
DALLAS, TX - MAY 18: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Round 2 Game 6 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls have taken some flak from their trade of Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas pushed back on the criticism of the team's acquisition of Josh Giddey.
"It's hard to acquire players this young, this productive, that early in their careers…we thought that was the price to pay for Josh. I feel that this deal was fair. Both sides got what they wanted," Karnisovas told reporters after the draft
The Bulls sent Caruso to Oklahoma City in exchange for Giddey earlier this month. Giddey averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season, taking a notable step back from his breakout 2022-23 season.
The Athletic's Anthony Slater and Sam Amick reported the Sacramento Kings offered the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 draft as part of a Caruso trade. An All-Defensive selection each of the last two seasons, Caruso was sought after by several contenders who were looking to upgrade their perimeter defense.
Karnisovas also updated the status of Lonzo Ball, who has not played either of the last two seasons due to knee injuries. He said Ball should be available for training camp.
"He's cleared to do pretty much everything on the floor. Next two months, we're going to see what he's going to look like," Karnisovas told reporters.
Ball is set to make $21.4 million in the final year of his contract. He's repeatedly expressed a desire to continue his basketball career despite the rash of injuries.
The Chicago Bulls, it would seem, have taken the first steps toward a 2024 offseason rebuild.
Last Friday, Chicago traded guard Alex Caruso for guard Josh Giddey in a swap with the Oklahoma City Thunder. On Wednesday, the Bulls used the 11th overall pick on former G League standout Matas Buzelis.
The 6'9" rookie brings an exciting amount of upside to his hometown franchise but isn't likely to be an instant star.
"There does seem to be some boom-or-bust potential tied to Buzelis, who can score in a lot of different ways but isn't efficient in any just yet," Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman wrote.
The Bulls appear to be building for the future. Their next steps will involve deciding the futures of forwards Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. LaVine is a player Chicago has explored trading, while DeRozan is set to become an unrestricted free agent on Sunday.
According to Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report, Chicago wants to sort out LaVine's situation before getting serious about talking contracts with DeRozan.
"I'm told there's no talks at this moment on the extension. The Bulls are trying to find a spot for Zach LaVine," Haynes told
the #thisleague UNCUT podcast with NBA Insider Marc Stein (h/t Bleacher Report's Julia Stumbaugh).
Stein noted that he is "not hearing much interest" in a market for LaVine. That might have something to do with the fact that packaging Caruso in a deal with LaVine is no longer an option.
"While Philadelphia was also linked to a potential trade for Bulls guard Zach LaVine, the 76ers have less interest in taking on the remaining $138 million on his contract with Alex Caruso no longer able to be attached in trade talks, league sources told HoopsHype," Michael Scotto of HoopsHype wrote.
With LaVine highly unlikely to bring a quality return, Chicago should strongly consider keeping him, at least for now. There are multiple reasons doing so would make sense.
For one, LaVine was an absolute star for the Bulls before last year's struggles and season-ending foot injury. He's also only 29 years old and can serve as a veteran mentor to players like Giddey, Buzelis, Coby White and Patrick Williams for several seasons.
Williams is an impending restricted free agent, but according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, "several rival executives" expect the Bulls to match all offers for Williams.
And the Bulls may need someone to fill the veteran leader role if DeRozan departs in free agency.
Let's be clear, keeping both LaVine and DeRozan is unlikely. The Bulls don't like to operate above the luxury-tax threshold, and re-signing DeRozan will put them dangerously close to that mark. Unloading LaVine's $43 million cap hit would remedy the situation—hence, his situation taking priority ahead of free agency.
Between the two players, though, LaVine is a far better on-court fit for Chicago's young core. At his best, LaVine is a three-level scorer who can create space and help complement an athletic, up-tempo slasher like Giddey.
DeRozan is still a very effective player—he averaged 24.0 points and 5.3 assists per game last season—but he plays a role similar to Giddey's and will turn 35 in August. Buzelis will need time to develop, but his potential as a mid-range playmaker could further make DeRozan's presence redundant in time.
If the Bulls are indeed going younger and embracing the rebuild, DeRozan doesn't fit. It would, therefore, behoove Chicago to hang onto LaVine and see how well he does.
A return to form by LaVine could speed up the rebuilding timeline dramatically. At worst, it would give Chicago the chance to reestablish some trade value. With standout players like Mikal Bridges already being moved, the draft underway and free agency looming, LaVine's current value is virtually nonexistent now.
Chicago can always reevaluate the situation closer to the trade deadline, but keeping LaVine is starting to look like a low-risk, high-reward option.
The Chicago Bulls face some question marks after missing the playoffs for the second straight season. Chicago has been stuck in neutral of late, winning just…
Matas Buzelis Celebrated by Hometown Chicago Bulls Fans During 2024 NBA Draft
Jun 27, 2024
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Matas Buzelis smiles during the 2024 NBA Draft - Round One on June 26, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls have selected the Chicago native with the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He becomes the latest addition to a Bulls team that has just acquired Josh Giddey and could see a lot of roster turnover this offseason.
Great pick at 11!!! Matas Buzelis could be one of the best players in this draft when it’s all said and done!! Huge ceiling with tremendous upside! I didn’t see him falling to the Bulls at 11 but glad he did🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Bulls should be very happy Matas Buzelis slipped to 11. 6’10”, great leaper & passer, with shot creation potential. I interviewed Matas when he played against Windy City Bulls. Very mature young man with huge potential. Great value at #11.
He spent the 2023-24 season with the G-League Ignite, averaging 11.8 points, five rebounds and 1.7 assists in nine games. He fell slightly, as he was projected as the No. 8 pick by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman in his final mock draft.
He joins a Bulls team that went 39-43 in 2023-24 and fell in the play-in tournament. This was the second consecutive season that the Bulls missed out on the postseason, and it has not reached the second round of the playoffs since the 2014-15 season.
The first move of the offseason was acquiring Giddey, who Chicago received from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Alex Caruso June 20. The Bulls will now look towards a potential trade for Zach LaVine, who has been involved in trade rumors since last offseason.
Matas Buzelis NBA Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Bulls Roster
Jun 27, 2024
FRISCO, TX - FEBRUARY 27: Matas Buzelis #13 of the G League Ignite looks to pass the ball during the game against the Texas Legends on February 27, 2024 at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
Matas Buzelis' 2023-24 season didn't go fully according to plan, but he can now celebrate being a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA draft after being selected No. 11 overall by the Chicago Bulls.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Matas Buzelis
Position: SF
Size: 6'8", 209 lbs
Pro Comparison: Hedo Türkoğlu
Scouting Report: NBA teams covet Buzelis' archetype, being a 6'8" ball-handling wing with three-point range and bounce around the rim. Scouts were turned off at points this season due to inconsistent shooting and a passive approach, but from a natural talent and skill set perspective, there is too much to like about his positional physical advantages and scoring versatility.
The absence of a true standout talent has been a focus of the discourse around the 2024 class from the moment fans knew how the group was taking shape. Early into the process, Buzelis was among the candidates who staked a claim as the best player on the board.
Once the season tipped off, however, the 19-year-old's stock steadily began to dip. In 26 games, he averaged 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 44.5 percent overall and 27.3 percent from beyond the arc.
The flaws in NBA G League Ignite's roster were laid bare as they posted a 2-32 record. The pieces didn't fit together, and the absence of a true facilitator meant the young stars such as Buzelis and Ron Holland couldn't play to their strengths.
Buzelis still has the size and athleticism to thrive at the next level, and his shooting may actually improve straight out of the gate with a more structured offense and better supporting cast around him.
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball up court during the second half of the 2024 Play-In Tournament against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on April 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls are not currently discussing an extension with DeMar DeRozan, according to Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report.
"At this point right now, Chicago and DeRozan can work out an extension," Haynes said Wednesday on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast with NBA insider Marc Stein. "I'm told there's no talks at this moment on the extension. The Bulls are trying to find a spot for Zach LaVine."
LaVine is currently signed for two more seasons with a player option through 2027, while DeRozan is set to enter unrestricted free agency on June 30.
"I'm not saying that the Bulls are not going to take care of DeMar, I'm just saying that the order in which they are doing so leads to a lot of speculation," Haynes said.
Stein noted that he is "not hearing much interest" on a potential trade for LaVine, who is still owed around $138 million over the next three seasons if he takes his 2026-27 option.
The Philadelphia 76ers were reportedly initially interested in pursuing LaVine, but are less interested now that former Bulls guard Alex Caruso is not longer available as a package deal, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.
Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported Friday that the Sacramento Kings could be interested in trading for LaVine as they seek trade opportunities for Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter,
The Athletic's Anthony Slater and Sam Amick similarly reported Monday that the Kings had "some level of interest" in LaVine, but would need to receive incentives in order to take on his contract.
If the Bulls plan on figuring out a trade destination for LaVine before negotiating with DeRozan, the team will risk losing the veteran player in free agency.
NBC Sports Chicago's KC Johnson reported in April that the Bulls offered DeRozan a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $80 million at the end of the season. The 15-season veteran could decide to see if he can earn on the open market as he heads into his age-35 season.
DeMar DeRozan No Longer Fits Bulls' Plans Amid Latest NBA Free Agency, Trade Rumors
Kristopher Knox
Jun 26, 2024
DeMar DeRozan
While NBA free agency won't officially open until Sunday, the Chicago Bulls have already gotten their offseason started. Last week, the Bulls swapped out guard Alex Caruso for guard Josh Giddey in a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Choosing to flip the switch on that trade was likely the first of many difficult decisions Chicago will make this offseason. One of them will involve the future of forward DeMar DeRozan.
According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the Bulls and DeRozan are interested in a continued partnership but aren't exactly barrelling toward a new deal.
"Last year at this time, there was more momentum for Nikola Vučević to re-sign in this exclusive negotiation period before free agency begins than there is currently for DeRozan," Johnson wrote.
The reality is that while DeRozan has been a strong contributor in Chicago, he's also set to turn 35 in August. For a franchise that appears to be pivoting toward younger players like Giddey, DeRozan no longer fits.
The Bulls' next decision will involve what to do with the 11th overall pick in Wednesday's draft. According to Johnson, Chicago has "exuded confidence" in their ability to find a difference-maker with that selection. Partnering the rookie with Giddey, Coby White, Patrick Williams and possibly Zach LaVine would give the Bulls a relatively young core around which to begin rebuilding.
According to Johnson, "several rival executives" expect Chicago to re-sign or match all offers for Williams.
LaVine has been the subject of trade speculation. However, he may not carry the trade value that Chicago wants now that packaging him with Caruso is off the table.
According to HoopsHype, the Philadelphia 76ers are far less interested in acquiring LaVine with Caruso already gone. Other teams undoubtedly feel similarly.
Trading LaVine for proverbial pennies wouldn't make much sense. He's only 29, he's a 46.4-percent career shooter, and he was an All-Star-caliber player before a foot injury limited him to 25 games this past season.
LaVine is also, on paper, a very strong complement to Giddey. Hanging on to LaVine—at least, until closer to the trade deadline—would make plenty of sense. If LaVine rebounds from his February surgery and meshes with Chicago's younger lineup, the Bulls could be eyeing a very bright future.
It's fair to wonder if or how DeRozan can fit into that future. He's still quite good but may not remain a top-tier player for long. He's also entering a point in his career where he may want to chase a ring, and Chicago is likely years away from title contention. He's highly unlikely to offer a hometown discount to a reloading franchise.
Keeping DeRozan also wouldn't be cheap. He reportedly turned down an earlier extension offer worth up to $40 million per season. That's far too much to invest in an aging player who doesn't quite fit with how the rest of the lineup is likely to operate.
The Bulls, who haven't won a playoff series since the 2014-15 season, have been a middling franchise for far too long. It's time to try a fresh approach, embrace the rebuild and stop trying to hang around the playoff fringes. Allowing DeRozan to depart and saving cap flexibility for future moves should be part of that plan.
Josh Giddey Talks Thunder-Bulls Trade, Says He Wasn't 'Eager' to Come Off Bench
Jun 25, 2024
DALLAS, TX - MAY 18: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Round 2 Game 6 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey admitted in his introductory press conference that he wasn't "eager" to come off the bench in Oklahoma City, revealing conversations he had with Thunder general manager Sam Presti before he was dealt to the Windy City for Alex Caruso last Thursday.
"I just said to him at this point in my career, I'm 21 years old, it wasn't something that I was overly eager to do," Giddey told reporters, per ESPN's Jamal Collier.
"And he completely understood, and throughout the whole process we were open and honest with each other...He got it. We worked together through the whole process, and he got me to a great spot."
Giddey started all 80 of his regular-season games for the Thunder last year, averaging 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
However, he averaged just 12.6 minutes per game during the Thunder's second-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks and eventually fell out of the starting lineup for Games 5 and 6 before OKC lost the matchup, 4-2.
In Chicago, Giddey has a clear role in the starting backcourt alongside Coby White.
In OKC, it was clear that the team wanted him to come off the bench in 2024-25. In a statement, Presti said that OKC thought a reserve role would allow Giddey "to maximize his many talents and deploy our team more efficiently over 48 minutes."
"As we laid out to Josh how he could lean into his strengths and ultimately optimize our current roster and talent, it was hard to for him to envision, and conversations turned to him inquiring about potential opportunities elsewhere," Presti said, per the Associated Press.
"As always was the case, Josh demonstrated the utmost professionalism throughout the discussions."
The Thunder also have a loaded team with multiple ball-handlers, so Giddey didn't feel as though he would hit his ceiling in town anymore.
"It was going to be hard to tap into my full potential, in my opinion, on a team like [Oklahoma City] with so many talented guys who needed the ball in their hands, who were great with the ball in their hands. A change of scenery was going to maybe unlock more of that for me.
"Being able to make the game easy for everybody, being able to get guys involved, distribute the ball and get other players confident around me is the thing I pride myself on doing. And it's hard to do that in a role when the ball isn't in your hands a lot. ... That's probably the big thing coming in here. I want to be the pass-first point guard I am."
So this seems like a win-win for both sides.
Giddey gets a fresh start in Chicago, where he'll have a better opportunity for playing time and being a featured part of the offense as the starting point guard.
And Oklahoma City gets a multi-talented veteran guard in Caruso who should fill a variety of roles and perhaps be the missing piece this team needs to propel itself to a Western Conference title.
Photo: Lil Durk Offers to Help Pay LeBron James, Bronny Contracts If They Join Bulls
Jun 25, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 16: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a play-in tournament game at the Smoothie King Center on April 16, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Rapper and Chicago native Lil Durk offered to help pay the contracts of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and his son, Bronny, in order for them to join the Chicago Bulls during the 2024 offseason.
The Grammy Award-winning rapper revealed his Instagram messages with James, although the NBA's all-time leading scorer did not respond to the request just yet.
The Bulls have already been active in the offseason, trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for guard Josh Giddey on Friday. James' future with the Lakers is uncertain, as he has yet to make a decision on a $51.4 million player option for next season (via Spotrac).
However, Chicago doesn't seem to be a realistic possibility for the four-time MVP. ESPN's Bobby Marks noted that the Bulls were still over the cap after acquiring Giddey, making it extremely difficult to sign James.
Chicago also appears to be pivoting towards a younger roster built around Giddey and Coby White, which doesn't match the timeline of the 39-year-old. Although James met with the Bulls during his famous 2010 free agency, that might not be the case again in 2024.
The team's path to acquiring Bronny is also challenging, as the Bulls only own the No. 11 overall pick in the draft. That should be much higher than the 19-year-old's range, as Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman linked James to the Lakers with the No. 55 pick in his most recent mock draft.
Despite rumors of the father-son duo teaming up in the NBA, Chicago may not be the location.
