The 24-25 season had started so well for the Chicago Bulls. They were 3-2 at one point and for the first time in over two years, a team with a record over .500. They had also come back from 20-point deficits to win in back-to-back games. Billy Donovan’s side were playing an enjoyable brand of basketball as well while putting in some of their best three-point shooting performances in franchise history. But injuries to key players like Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball have disrupted their momentum.

The Bulls are currently on a four-game losing streak, leaving them with a 3-6 record. That is not to say that there have not been positives. One of the biggest has to be the performances of LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. Both are proving why they are former All-Stars. LaVine was averaging 22.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 49.5% from the field and 45.8% from three-point range before his most recent injury.

On the other hand, Vucevic is averaging 21.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 58.1% from the field and a remarkable 47.5% from three-point range. It is safe to say that he is proving a lot of doubters wrong. It is believed that the Bulls were open to trade offers for both LaVine and Vucevic in the summer but there was not significant interest in either of them. Many teams around the league might be kicking themselves about that.

On the other hand, according to Jamal Collier in ESPN, the Bulls are still expected to explore trade options for both LaVine and Vucevic later in the season. But right now, the focus is for both to rebound after disappointing 2023-2024 seasons. Of course, some eyebrows might be raised at the idea of trading their two best performers. But it looks like the organization are intent on a rebuild after consistently missing the playoffs over the past several years.