Approaching the NBA trade deadline on February 6, the Warriors and Lakers scramble to maximize the championship windows of Stephen Curry and LeBron James. The two Californian teams lack the significant pieces required to secure a ticket to the promised land.
As Jimmy Butler continues to draw a lot of attention ahead of the trade deadline, this Bulls center is on the radar of many in the league. Standing at 6-foot-10, Nikola Vucevic is in high demand, with franchises like the Warriors and Lakers making a strong bid for him.
Vucevic is having an excellent tear, averaging a double-double of 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. The Montenegrin big man is shooting 55.8% from the field, including 43.3% from the three-point line. Unfortunately, this hasn’t resulted in a winning record for the Bulls.
NBA Trade Deadline – Warriors vs Lakers For Montenegrin Big Man
The Bid For Nikola Vucevic
The presently constructed rosters of the Warriors and Lakers look far from even making a deep playoff run, let alone winning the chip. Nonetheless, the front offices did make some moves in the form of Dennis Schroder (GSW), Dorian Finney-Smith, and Shake Milton (LAL).
Still, it is not enough to compete against contenders like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Grizzlies out West. This is where the skill set of versatile centers such as Vucevic comes into play. A prolific scorer, rebounder, and playmaker, the Bulls big man can post up as well.
Recently, it was reported how the Warriors management had shifted their focus from Butler to Vucevic ahead of the NBA trade deadline. It’s past time the Dubs move past their small ball system and onboard a traditional center. The roster’s lacking size has been a key factor in their struggles over recent years.
The Lakers and Warriors are viewed as the strongest trade suitors for Nikola Vucevic.
Both teams can match Vucevic’s $20 million salary in talks with the Bulls utilizing various contracts.
Chicago will likely have to end up settling for second-round draft capital on Vucevic. pic.twitter.com/Xc0hnbIT9Y
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 13, 2025
On the other hand, the Lakers do have size on their roster but remain offensively overdependent on the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Therefore, having Vucevic would certainly ease things for the purple and gold. It would provide some respite to Davis, who could then play his traditional PF position. Also, it would allow a 40-year-old James to take his foot off the gas, especially in the regular season.
The Last Word
Vucevic finds himself in a position millions dream of, with greats like Curry and James vying for him. A once in a lifetime opportunity for the former Magic center to learn the art of winning at the highest level. In his 14 seasons, the veteran big man has never made it past the second round of the playoffs.
As far as his current situation in Chicago is concerned, Vucevic and the Bulls are in a play-in position. According to Spotrac, the Bulls center has the remaining current and entire 2025-26 season left on his contract. The USC alumnus is set to make $21.48 million next season.
With the trade deadline around the corner, fans await for the events to unfold in the coming days. The date of February 6 also holds great importance in the legacies of Curry and James, who chase their fifth ring. Two of the most influential names to step on the hardwood stare at a closing championship window.
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