The Chicago Bulls have been in the play-in for three consecutive seasons. It seems like this is the summer they will rebuild completely and try to trade all their veterans. They managed to send Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and now, Nikola Vucevic remains their lone veteran who can bring back some assets. Yet, according to the latest reports, there is not much traction on the Vucevic trade front.
Five Teams That Can Benefit From Nikola Vucevic Trade Drama
Vucevic’s situation is the best example of the messy Chicago Bulls organization. Fans are asking how hard it can be to trade a 20-point, 10-rebound per game big man who can stretch the floor. When the Charlotte Hornets traded Jusuf Nurkic, they got a second-round pick and Collin Sexton in return. The latest reports are that if the Bulls cannot find a trade partner, they will likely release Vucevic and make him a free agent. The big man has a $21.4 million expiring contract. With that in mind, it seems some teams might be more willing to prepare for a buyout situation and snatch Vucevic then. Here are five teams that can benefit from the Nikola Vucevic trade drama.
REPORT: The Bulls are expected to release Nikola Vucevic if a trade cannot be finalized.
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Golden State Warriors
The Warriors and Vucevic have been linked several times. But it seems like GSW is not willing to pay the price the Bulls are asking for, or there may be a different reason. In any case, it seems like a perfect fit. Vucevic is a veteran big man who can shoot, and the Warriors can get him without sacrificing their future.
Milwaukee Bucks
Out goes Brook Lopez, in comes Nikola Vucevic. At least that would be a dream scenario for the Milwaukee Bucks, who currently have Myles Turner as their lone rotational center. The Bucks would offer Vucevic a chance to play for a playoff team and get quality minutes. They have a dire need for veterans who can contribute to winning.
Detroit Pistons
Another Eastern Conference team that could use a stretch five is the Detroit Pistons. They have two quality centers on their roster, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, but neither of them can shoot. The Pistons were the surprise team in the East last season. But in the playoffs, it was clear they needed more offensive firepower. The biggest challenge in Detroit would be finding playing time for Vucevic, who might want a bigger role than being the third center.
Boston Celtics
The former champions have one of the thinnest frontcourts in the league for next season. If things continue as they are, the Celtics will have Luka Garza and Neemias Queta as their centers. Vucevic is better than both of them and will instantly be a clear favorite for the starting position. If the Celtics do not bring back Al Horford, Vucevic is a good alternative.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have been mentioned as a Vucevic trade destination for quite a while, but that was before they traded for Luka Doncic. The team is clearly pivoting toward building around Luka and not LeBron James. The good news is that Vucevic can give them a one-year option, and then they can continue building around Luka next summer.
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