In recent times, the Bulls' record has been on a downward spiral, with a current tally of 13 wins and 18 losses, placing them tenth in the Eastern Conference. While their record suggests they still have a chance at the play-in tournament, the Bulls' management has run out of patience and is eager to rebuild immediately. The problem lies in the fact that they are unable to sell their core players. Despite Zach LaVine's efforts to put up impressive stats in recent games, it has not swayed external opinions. Teams are only willing to take on LaVine if the Bulls attach a first-round pick. Similarly, there are significant issues with the offers for Nikola Vucevic.
According to previous reports by American media outlet ClutchPoints, the Bulls were asking for a first-round pick for Vucevic, with interested teams including the Lakers and Warriors. The Bulls' strategy was to set a high price to encourage bidding and see which team would offer the most. However, neither the Lakers nor the Warriors made an offer for Vucevic, meaning they were not even willing to part with a first-round pick for him. This left the Bulls feeling defeated, and they have since decided to lower their asking price for Vucevic.
As reported by Joe Cowley, the Bulls' beat reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls have reduced their asking price for Vucevic, and he can now be acquired for one to two second-round picks. A source from within the Bulls revealed that no team is willing to give up a first-round pick for Vucevic. Even playoff-bound teams are not interested in investing a first-round pick in him. In other words, the Bulls can still get second-round picks for Vucevic now, but they may have to pay to get rid of him later.
Joe Cowley stated, "No team wants Vucevic, not even playoff teams that might be interested, as they do not want to give up their 2025 first-round pick. I believe the return the Bulls will receive for trading Vucevic will likely be multiple second-round picks or just one."
This season, Vucevic has played in 30 games and remains relatively healthy. He averages 20.7 points, 10 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.73 blocks per game in 32 minutes, with a shooting percentage of 58.1% and a three-point percentage of 45.6%. He averages 2.1 three-pointers per game, demonstrating both volume and efficiency.
His salary is also reasonable; in June 2023, Vucevic signed a three-year, 60millioncontractwiththeBulls,earning20 million this year. Standing at 2.11 meters tall and weighing 118 kilograms, the 34-year-old still has plenty of gas in the tank. It seems that LaVine's recent inability to perform has indirectly affected Vucevic's trade value. Additionally, Vucevic's lackluster defensive performance in recent games, despite his high scoring efficiency, has led some to question whether he is merely a stat-padder.
The Lakers are also hesitant; they have not had any new trade news recently, sticking to previous rumors that they are interested in Vucevic and Valanciunas. Interestingly, Bleacher Report previously suggested that the Lakers offer Vucevic for Russell, Wood, and a 2025 second-round pick (from the Clippers). This proposal was made on November 15th by American media and was met with ridicule from fans, with Bulls fans even suggesting that the Lakers were dreaming and questioning the intelligence of the Bulls' management.
However, a month has passed, and it seems that Bleacher Report's proposed trade package is not unreasonable, especially after the Bulls lowered their asking price. If the Lakers were to offer this package, the Bulls would likely accept it. They are running out of time and are eager to rebuild, hoping to tank and secure a high draft pick in 2025. The Bulls' management's mindset can be seen from their decision to let go of Caruso to the Thunder for nothing during the offseason this year. It is no longer a matter of whether the Bulls will accept the offer; the question is whether the Lakers and Warriors are still interested in Vucevic? Are the Lakers willing to trade for Vucevic with Westbrook? Do they still believe in Vucevic's abilities? These are all questions that remain to be seen.