{"id":19991,"date":"2024-12-24T00:55:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-24T00:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=19991"},"modified":"2024-12-24T00:55:28","modified_gmt":"2024-12-24T00:55:28","slug":"big-question-should-the-heat-target-chicago-bulls-big-man-in-midst-of-career-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=19991","title":{"rendered":"BIG QUESTION: Should the Heat target Chicago Bulls\u2019 big man in midst of career year?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
The Miami Heat could find their answer to glaring size issue from Bulls\u2019 Nikola Vucevic, who is reportedly available on the trade market for an affordable price tag. (Photo via Imagn Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the Miami Heat\u2019s success with their new starting lineup of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Haywood Highsmith and Bam Adebayo, there is still one glaring problem. This unit lacks size and length, even with newly drafted 7-footer Kel\u2019el Ware on the roster.<\/p>\n

Ware has plenty of upside and potential in the Heat\u2019s big man depth. But it\u2019s been clear that he is very raw with still a lot to learn. Coach Erik Spoelstra has opted to take the slower development route with him rather than throw him into the fire with regular minutes.<\/p>\n

Miami\u2019s Thomas Bryant trade with the Indiana Pacers has now left just two regular rotation bigs on the roster, in Adebayo and an aging Kevin Love. Ultimately, the small ball lineups have worked in Spoelstra\u2019s system over the years. Although some teams have the privilege of sporting both small and big lineups if needed\u2014 the Heat don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve experimented with Love in the starting lineup over the years and it\u2019s worked in spurts, but his defensive limitations hasn\u2019t made him fit for a regular role in that position. That leaves the Heat with potentially exploring outside options, which is where the Chicago Bulls\u2019 Nikola Vucevic comes in.<\/p>\n

The Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity for several years now, and they always seem to be viewed as sellers prior to NBA trade deadlines. This season is no different, as Vucevic, Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball could all be formidable options to provide a boost to playoff contending teams.<\/p>\n

Vucevic is averaging 21.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists on 58.7% shooting and a career-high 48% from 3-point range on 4.6 attempts.<\/h4>\n

When it comes to the former two-time NBA All-Star, the reported asking price for his services could start at just one or two second-round picks, according to Jake Fischer. He is currently on a team-friendly annual salary of $20 million, which is set to go up to $21.5 million in 2025-26.<\/p>\n

Such a trade facilitated between Chicago and Miami would likely headline Terry Rozier being sent to the Bulls for salary matching purposes.<\/p>\n

Rozier is in the midst of a significant down year and has posed a questionable fit ever since he arrived in South Beach. He is averaging just 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists on nearly 40% shooting from the field. His points, assists and shooting efficiency is the lowest it\u2019s been since 2018 with the Boston Celtics, and could benefit from another change of scenery.<\/p>\n

Since the Heat are tight with available draft picks to use, they could potentially throw in a player like Jaime Jaquez Jr. as the sweetener to a potential deal here. Jaquez is also going through disappointing struggles of his own, shooting just 4 of 33 (12%) from 3-point range in his last 17 games. Miami has the necessary pieces in order to pull a deal off, despite being limited on draft capital.<\/p>\n

Listed at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Vucevic could instantly provide that coveted functional size the Heat have needed. He is in the midst of a career year in terms of efficiency, and can pose as an intriguing fit alongside Butler and Adebayo in the frontcourt due to his floor spacing abilities. Although he is in his age-34 season, Vucevic can still play at an All-Star level and has only gotten more polished over the years.<\/p>\n