NBA Rumors: Bulls Unlikely to Get a 1st for Nikola Vučević amid Lakers, Warriors Buzz
February 4, 2025
The Chicago Bulls may not be done dealing ahead of Thursday's deadline, but that doesn't mean they will land a first-round pick.
Even if they trade two-time All-Star Nikola Vučević.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported Tuesday that "there's a growing sense the Bulls" want to trade the big man after they already shipped Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings in the three-team deal that saw De'Aaron Fox end up on the San Antonio Spurs.
Scotto listed the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers as interested suitors, although he also noted "the Bulls have held out hope for a first-round pick for Vučević but may have to settle for multiple second-round picks."
Chicago failing to get an additional first-round pick in a trade would be nothing new for its front office:
Elias Schuster @Schuster_EliasThe Bulls have traded DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, & Alex Caruso for ...<br><br>- Josh Giddey<br>- Kevin Huerter<br>- Zach Collins<br>- Tre Jones<br>- Chris Duarte<br>- Two Second-Round Picks<br>- Rights to their OWN 2025 first-round pick<br><br>Not a single additional first-rounder was acquired. Unbelievable.
It's not surprising to see Vučević drawing interest from the Warriors and Lakers. He is a walking double-double who is averaging 19.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this season while shooting 55.1 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from deep.
While he is questionable on the defensive side, his ability to shoot from beyond the three-point line causes matchup problems.
Los Angeles needs more depth in the frontcourt after giving up Anthony Davis in the trade that landed it Luka Dončić, while Golden State is looking for another impact player to pair with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as it attempts to make a playoff push with those two veterans still making up the core.
Vučević would help either team that acquired him, and it reportedly won't even cost a first-round pick.