Chicago has been involved in a surplus of trade rumors. It all started this season when Dallas's struggles triggered Anthony Davis trade talks, and continued when Zion Williamson and LaMelo Ball were reportedly being dangled in trade discussions, and has only ramped up as the trade deadline approaches. The two most commonly named players for the Bulls are Coby White and Nikola Vucevic. With both on expiring contracts that make them unrestricted free agents after the season, now is the perfect time to move on from both. White's due for a massive pay increase, and Vucevic is 35 years old on a rebuilding team. A few deals have surfaced this week for Vucevic, and here's what Arturas Karnisovas should do with them.
Kristaps Porzingis To Chicago
Atlanta's 30-year-old big man is on a $30 million deal that's set to expire this summer. According to Clutch Points and Brett Siegel, his future with the Hawks is "up in the air." The Chicago Bulls should turn away any offers for the aging stretch five. The reported offer is Coby White and Nikola Vucevic for Kristaps Porzingis. This would be on brand for Karnisovas, but he should decline it.
With Kristaps Porzingis' future in ATL up in the air, one interesting scenario presented by league personnel includes the Hawks moving him in a package for Nikola Vucevic and Coby White.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 23, 2025
The Hawks are not expected to go all-in for an All-Star, despite discussing such a move. https://t.co/JEsAprAaXP
There are several reasons why Chicago should not engage in talks with Porzingis. For starters, he hasn't played 65 or more games since 2022 and has already missed over half of Atlanta's outings this year. Next, his contract will be lucrative enough that he'd represent more of a win-now asset, which is the exact reason White is on the move. Lastly, they can likely gain more from White in other trades than an aging, constantly injured, 30-year-old asset.
Kuminga For Vucevic Swap
Jonathan Kuminga has had a sporadic NBA career with the Golden State Warriors. At times, he's shown glimpses of a future All-Star and earned himself north of $20 million annually on his latest contract. In other instances, he has been benched or pulled from the rotation for stretches of games and rotated between the starting and reserve units due to his inconsistent production. This would be a perfect deal for the Bulls if it's solely a Vucevic for Kuminga swap—a 35-year-old aging center, for a 23-year-old, ascending asset with loads of potential. In addition, his contract only spans one more season, a club option, and provides a perfect period of experimentation with Chicago before committing long-term.
The Bulls would reportedly be interested in a Jonathan Kuminga, Nikola Vucevic swap with the Warriors.
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) December 19, 2025
per @esidery pic.twitter.com/H2IImxOVQS
While Golden State's young forward might not be a proven top-end talent, he would plug into the rotation nicely. This would move Matas Buzelis to the small forward position, a more natural fit for him, and allow Zach Collins or Jalen Smith to move into the starting five. They'd feature a younger, more athletic, and taller starting five. If this deal presents itself, Karnisovas should pull the trigger immediately.
