Two years ago, the Chicago Bulls pushed their chips on the table in an attempt to field a competitive roster. They traded for Nikola Vucevic and followed up that move by signing DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso. And while they made the playoffs in their first season together, it ended in a first-round exit. This year, they were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament.
Now, with Vucevic entering the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, it’s never been more clear that the current Chicago core isn’t capable of winning a championship together. And while Arturas Karnisovas may be determined to make things work, the Bulls need to reset the roster or at least shake things up.
Vucevic will be free to sign wherever he wants in free agency, but if the Bulls can find a way, they should attempt to sign and trade the big man. Whether that be for a different star or young assets, a Vucevic sign-and-trade should be how Chicago starts their summer.
Here are five potential trades they should consider.N
Nikola Vucevic sign-and-trades for the Chicago Bulls: Eric Gordon
Bulls receive: Eric Gordon, Two second-round picks
Clippers receive: Nikola Vucevic (S/T)
Obviously, the Bulls would have to find a new center after making this move, but adding Eric Gordon to the roster would be a very short-term solution to their shooting problem. Plus, the Bulls could ask for the LA Clippers’ second-rounder this year, giving them a pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, the Clippers would get an upgrade at the center position, as Mason Plumlee is a free agent this summer.
Nikola Vucevic sign-and-trades for the Chicago Bulls: Duncan Robinson
Bulls receive: Duncan Robinson, #18 Pick in 2023 NBA Draft
Heat receive: Nikola Vucevic (S/T), Derrick Jones Jr., Two second-round picks
At first glance, Bulls fans may hesitate to accept the idea of Duncan Robinson in the red and black. However, he’s completely revived his shot during the Miami Heat’s playoff run this year. Robinson is shooting 42.0% from deep on 5.3 attempts. Chicago desperately needs shooting like that on their roster.
Plus, they would land a pick in this year’s draft, which is arguably the more valuable asset.
For the Heat, they would (potentially) get some cap flexibility depending on how much they sign Vucevic for. If anything, they could play Vucevic in a variety of lineups, giving them some floor-spacing at the big man spot.
On top of that, Derrick Jones Jr. would make his return to Miami and they would get a couple of second-rounders to use as trade assets in the future.
Nikola Vucevic sign-and-trades for the Chicago Bulls: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Bulls receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Second-round pick
Mavericks receive: Nikola Vucevic (S/T)
This deal is extremely similar to the Gordon trade. Chicago would simply be adding some extra shooting at the wing position.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks would pair Vucevic alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.
Nikola Vucevic sign-and-trades for the Chicago Bulls: Jonas Valanciunas
Bulls receive: Jonas Valanciunas, Second-round pick
Pelicans receive: Nikola Vucevic (S/T)
This wouldn’t necessarily be an upgrade for the Bulls, but it would see them avoid extending Vucevic. Instead, they could roll with Jonas Valanciunas for a year, add a second-round pick, and delay their future decision-making for a season.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans would very slightly improve their big-man spot. Vucevic is more comfortable behind the three-point line, which would help their spacing.
Nikola Vucevic sign-and-trades for the Chicago Bulls: Deandre Ayton
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report concocted this trade, but it’s too intriguing to leave off this list.
Bulls receive: Deandre Ayton
Suns receive: Nikola Vucevic (S/T), Patrick Williams
It seems as though the Suns are ready to move on from Deandre Ayton, so the Bulls could pounce on the opportunity to trade for him. He would be an upgrade at the center position and a young one at that.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns would improve their depth in this deal, a desperate area of need for them this offseason.
