Golden State has been predicted as the landing spot for Nikola Vucevic before next week's trade deadline. Since an evident gap between the two sides must be bridged before an agreement can be reached, other suitors have inquired about Chicago's two-time All-Star center. Initially, the Bulls were seeking first-round draft capital to part ways with their 34-year-old big man, and after his scorching hot start to the season, it became more attainable. However, given his dip in production over the last month, this price tag is no longer realistic for the aging center in his contract's second to final year. His salary is comparable with other centers around the NBA, so his skills don't come at much of a bargain. Who has inputted their surprise attempt for Vucevic, and will the Bulls strike a deal?
The Atlanta Hawks Want A Capela Vucevic Swap
Atlanta is looking for help offensively. They're among the bottom third leaguewide in points per possession, three-point field goal percentage, and middle of the road in points per game. Vucevic would instantly offer a consistent 40% three-point threat who shoots nearly five attempts per game while adding over 20 points per outing on almost 55% from the field. Capela is the polar opposite, only offering 9.4 points nightly and is 0-5 from three-point land in his 11-year career. He's a great pick-and-roll partner for Trae Young and has found effectiveness around the rim, but he is rendered useless offensively outside of the paint. His defense is not stellar enough to be unwilling to swap centers before the trade deadline.
The Chicago Bulls reportedly rejected a Nikola Vucevic-for-Clint Capela swap, per @HPbasketball
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 29, 2025
“Two sources shared that the Hawks had contacted the Bulls about a swap of Capela’s expiring contract for Nikola Vucevic, but that the Bulls wanted other assets attached, presumably… pic.twitter.com/bxr7LW6y7L
The Bulls have already shot down this proposal, presumably because they think a different landing spot will net them more benefits in the future. Atlanta was reportedly unwilling to add future draft stock or young talent to the trade.
Chicago Was Smart To Reject This Trade
Foolish, wise, or anywhere in between, Arturas Karnisovas and his front office group likely lead the league in rejected trade offers. This one falls into the wiser of the bunch; there was not much benefit to adding a 30-year-old center that is very limited on the floor. He's also earning a higher salary than Chicago's big man. He is an unrestricted free agent in three months, meaning this deal would solely be accepted to dodge Vucevic's last contract year, the 2025-26 season, freeing them up for younger talent or adding a star this offseason.
The Bulls' asking price for Warriors trade target Nikola Vučević reportedly has been deemed "too steep" https://t.co/1w6kKSEKGJ
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 24, 2025
Will the Bulls lower their price tag in the coming week, or will the Warriors become desperate as the deadline nears? Look for other rivaling franchises to inquire about the former All-Star; a stretch-five center is a difficult find that can help a playoff roster tremendously.
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