Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has largely been written off after spending several seasons on a fringe playoff team. Surprisingly enough, however, his play this season has put him back on the radar, especially for teams in need of a stretch five who can also rebound. Although he has been viewed as a stretch five in the past, he has been a below-average shooter from deep over the last three seasons.
However, that has changed this year, with him shooting a blistering percentage on open threes. If he can continue to knock down threes at a high rate, then it not only makes him more valuable to the Bulls on the court but is a trade asset.
Nikola Vucevic '23-24
— NBA University (@NBA_University) November 13, 2024
275 Wide-Open 3PA: 30.5%
Nikola Vucevic '24-25
44 Wide-Open 3PA: 45.5%
Small sample, but if his pick-n-pop/trail stroke is back to high efficiency like it was earlier in his career, he becomes a valuable asset. Something to track until the trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/jfyJRwTfqo
After all, teams could always use an experienced big man like Vucevic who can score in the post and pull his man away from the basket when setting screens. That is especially true now that the Bulls seem to have finally picked a direction.
Nikola Vucevic's improved play has gifted the Chicago Bulls a terrific trade asset.
The Bulls seem to have decided upon rebuilding and have prioritized young players with upside rather than chasing the playoffs. That coincides with the star-studded 2025 NBA draft, which is headlined by Duke power forward Cooper Flagg. The Bulls being one of the worst teams in the league this season would give them a chance to land a generational prospect in Flagg.
Not only that but bottoming out would allow them to hold on to their protected 2025 first round pick, which is owed to the San Antonio Spurs if it falls outside the top 10. It is also top-protected in 2026 and 2027, increasing the need for the Bulls to rebuild sooner rather than later and that could start by them trading Vucevic to a contender.
With another year left on his contract after this season and him making only around $20 million annually, he should be easily tradeable. One team that could be interested is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have a tradeable salary in D'Angelo Russell, who is on an expiring contract and even a first-round pick that they can offer.
Potentially getting a first for Vucevic would be a huge get for the Bulls, with him previously being seen as a negative trade asset. If a deal like that were to materialize, then the Bulls should jump at the chance to move Vucevic this season.