The Chicago Bulls and trade rumors go hand in hand. Just about the entire team has been available in trade talks. The only player off-limits is Matas Buzelis. Other than the 2024 lottery pick, it’s unlikely Chicago would trade Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, or Josh Giddey unless the asking price is met.
However, much of the roster, including big names such as Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, continue to be mentioned among those in and around the NBA as likely trade candidates. Furthermore, Lonzo Ball, Patrick Williams, and even youngsters Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips have been mentioned as potential trade targets.
Of course, Williams, Terry, and Phillips will be dealt at the Bulls’ discretion. All three of those players are 23 years old or younger. They fit Chicago’s rebuilding timeline. Conversely, Ball, LaVine, and Vucevic are nearing or above 30. Not so much Ball (27), but injuries have taken a toll on the former second-overall pick, forcing him to two consecutive seasons of his prime. Despite the injury concerns, Ball’s high basketball IQ, defensive instincts, and three-point shotmaking are key indicators he’ll be able to make an impact in the NBA well into his 30s.
As for LaVine and Vucevic, both players remain top-notch contributors at 29 and 34, respectively, a quality numerous contending teams around the league should value. LaVine averages 21.8 points while drilling 42.9 percent of his 7.4 three-point attempts per game. Vucevic continues to pose as a nightly double-double threat, also canning 2.2 three-pointers per game at a remarkable 47.6 percent clip.
Although LaVine and Vucevic have impressed following subpar showings a season ago, teams around the NBA remain hesitant to sell high for Chicago’s leading scorers. In a report for HoopsHype, Michael Scotto lamented that “multiple executives who’ve spoken to the Bulls say Chicago still has asking prices that are “too high” for LaVine and Vucevic.” The reasoning behind these executives’ statements is LaVine and Vucevic’s exorbitant contracts.
The 6-foot-5 swingman is slated to earn $138 million through the 2026-27 season. LaVine’s contract does include a player option for its last year. However, it’s unlikely that he would decline nearly $49 million in his age-31 season. Vucevic’s contract is nowhere near that of LaVine’s; he’s owed $41 million over this season and next. The difference is Vucevic’s age; he’ll be 35 by the start of next season.
How many teams are willing to take on LaVine’s massive contract and pay Vucevic $21 million at 35? Those are certainly questions contenders will ponder as the year progresses. Both players are off to fantastic starts, yet their defense leaves much to be desired. LaVine’s teams have typically been better defensively with him off the court—the same goes for Vucevic. Ball is quite the opposite, but is he a reliable player to send any quality assets in exchange for?
The trade chatter surrounding LaVine, Vucevic, and even Ball likely won’t die down anytime soon, not until at least two of the three are traded by the February 6 deadline. It appears, for now, that Chicago disagrees with the majority of the league in valuing its players. Time will tell if the rest of the league or the Bulls’ front office budges at any point this season.
