In the NBA, there aren’t many untouchable players, and the Chicago Bulls’ players are no exception.
The Bulls’ current troubles make it quite evident that they will not be able to repeat their incredible run from the previous season, in which they finished as the sixth seed. The Bulls may need to make changes in order to regain competitiveness because Lonzo Ball’s health and ability to play again remain major unknowns.
The question is: who should Chicago trade?
Time to end the Vooch era
The Bulls might potentially gain more money by dealing for DeMar DeRozan, but it seems more rational to part ways with the “Big Three” of DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic, with the latter player being the most likely to do so. Vucevic has been a solid member of the Bulls’ starting lineup, but because of his contract’s expiration at the end of 2023, he is a prime candidate for clubs eager to cut money or complete a star-studded blockbuster trade.
NIKOLA. VUCEVIC. Massive shot!@NikolaVucevic | @NBCSBulls pic.twitter.com/CMRd8S5rnf
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 3, 2023
Make no mistake; Vucevic remains a quality big man. However, his numbers have been down across the board.
He’s averaging 16.7 points—which is the lowest it’s been since 2017. He’s also grabbing just 10.5 rebounds per game, which again is the lowest since 2020. Add those to the fact that the 6-foot-10 big man is getting up there in age and remains a sub-par defender, and it’s not a surprise why Chicago may look to move him.
Shake up the interior
The Bulls need to look elsewhere if they’re searching for a more promising big man, which makes Vucevic the ideal candidate to be traded away before his contract expires at the end of 2023. Chicago could package him with another player and/or draft pick to land a younger, more talented big man who can protect the paint better.
While this may not be the most attractive move for Bulls fans, it’s one that could pay off in the long run if they are able to secure a quality big man who can help improve their interior defense.
Source: yardbarker.com
