Since last year’s trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls have met one particular franchise intrigued by the idea of a Nikola Vucevic deal. However, the Golden State Warriors have reportedly “moved away from past trade interest,” according to insider Jake Fischer via The Stein Line Substack.
That leaves the Vucevic trade rumors spinning without a clear path to an end.
What does that mean for the Bulls’ roster construction and their future without their long-standing big man, whenever it may come? Are there any teams needy enough to trade for an experienced center on an expiring contract?
Chicago Bulls still have two potential landing spots for Nikola Vucevic
The NBA has been busy playing musical chairs with its centers in the first few days of free agency, highlighted by the most recent news of Deandre Ayton’s new home with the Los Angeles Lakers and the dramatic situation that unfolded in Milwaukee, which led to the Bucks waiving and stretch Damian Lillard’s massive contract to make room for Myles Turner.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s former running mate, Brook Lopez, is also now in LA with the Clippers. Clint Capela left Atlanta to go back home and play for the Rockets. Former Celtic Luke Kornet will play alongside Victor Wembanyama with the San Antonio Spurs next season.
The Warriors lost Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans in another questionable move from NOLA’s new front office led by Joe Dumars. That leaves 39-year-old Al Horford as the most attractive big man left on the free agent market.
Unfortunately for Chicago, his main suitor appears to be Golden State. If those two parties link up, the demand for Vucevic disappears. Mostly.
Horford is a five-time All-Star and won the 2024 NBA Championship with the Celtics. He has remained a viable three-point threat and an effective defender despite his advanced age, but his three-point shooting fell off a bit (36.3 percent on 5.2 attempts per game) last year, though that’s still respectable for a stretch five.
Vucevic, however, is a much better and more consistent offensive player. Although he doesn’t offer the same level of defense Horford does, he’s five years younger, played 73 games and averaged 31.2 minutes. He posted a double-double for the seventh consecutive season (18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds) and is a better playmaker than Horford. Vooch also had a career year in shooting efficiency, finishing 2024-25 with splits of 53/40/81.
The Bulls’ big man is a more productive offensive player who is in the final year of his contract.
Whether Vucevic is the better option for Golden State, though, is, unfortunately for the Bulls, probably a moot point. That music has stopped, with only two chairs slightly open. Indiana unexpectedly lost Turner, while Boston lost Kornet and Horford and replaced them with Luka Garza.
Both teams are playoff contenders, even if they’re heading into gap years. Both need at least depth at center, if not a proven starter. Both are best with a stretch five on the floor. Vucevic fits the bill, would give each team a reliable veteran capable of scoring 20-plus points on any night, would come off their cap sheet after next season and likely wouldn’t cost them more than a few second-round picks.
Is a Vucevic trade happening this offseason? The chances aren’t great. But the Celtics and Pacers would be logical destinations if it did.
