The Chicago Bulls have made it clear through the first two months of the NBA season that their phone lines are open. Possibly their most valuable trade asset, of the names they would indeed entertain a swap, is Nikola Vucevic. Although he is 34 years old and in the second-to-last season of his contract before hitting unrestricted free agency in two summers, his All-Star caliber play through the first quarter of the year makes it difficult to deny that he carries the most trade value in potential deals. The two other potential trade pieces are Patrick Williams, who is currently injured and having a mediocre start to his year, and Zach LaVine, arguably the most overpaid and expensive contract in the league for the value he provides. What price tag does Vucevic demand, and should Chicago push their luck asking for more or hold onto him for a potential Play-In Tournament berth?
Most Valuable Center Available On The Market
Despite the old-age and expiring contract, Vucevic provides the best option for a championship-contending roster in a potential trade deadline addition. His blazing 47.6% three-point clip ranks second amongst centers, trailing only three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, and his true shooting percentage ranks in the top three at his position. As proven by the last four years of an evolving role in the offense, his ability to adapt and provide regardless of the fit is impressive. He can score at all three levels, facilitate with the most elite passing big men, and command extra attention on the glass.
Only two NBA players are currently averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2.0 threes per game while shooting 55% from the floor and 45% from three:
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 2, 2024
(Via @realapp_ / h/t @chicagobulls ) pic.twitter.com/LhsmaVDz5w
While it remains early in the year, he's pacing for an All-Star and potentially All-NBA season. Suppose Chicago can capitalize on his current value. In that case, they can gain several highly coveted future assets before he turns to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026 and leaves with nothing in return or regresses to the mean later this year, and his value drops significantly.
Two Second-Round Picks Is The Starting Bid
First reported by NBA insider Jake Fischer, Vucevic's asking price would likely be two second-round selections in the upcoming NBA Draft. While this seems underwhelming, it's also the baseline value. Several suitors will be willing to outbid one another for his services, especially if his pace of play continues at the All-Star level he has started. Also, being the best center up for grabs, his price will naturally rise. Gaining a single first-round pick or a prospect with draft capital should be the expectation for the Bulls.
The asking price for Nikola Vucevic could start at two second-round picks, per @JakeLFischer
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 29, 2024
“Vučević's $20 million salary, with a third and final season to go at $21.5 million in 2025-26, is far more palatable for teams to absorb. One GM told me he would put the two-time… pic.twitter.com/exDa4OtT2u
They sit at 10-14 and are pacing for a third consecutive NBA Play-In Tournament appearance or missing the postseason altogether. Should the Bulls commit to the rebuild before their aging assets drop in value or ride it out with the current group? This front office was in a similar situation last season and opted to hold onto all of their aging assets, including DeMar DeRozan, who was then sent away in a sign-and-trade for much less than they would've received had they dealt him a few months prior at the trade cutoff.
