Nikola Vučević Is Playing Like a Trade Chip - Now It’s on the Bulls to Cash In
Nikola Vučević is doing everything he can to make himself valuable on the trade market - and the Chicago Bulls would be wise to listen. The 35-year-old big man is on an expiring contract, and his recent stretch of play has been nothing short of impressive.
In January, he’s averaging 20.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 53.6% from the field and a surprising 37.5% from deep. That’s not just solid production - that’s veteran efficiency with a side of versatility.
And yet, despite Vučević’s surge, the Bulls aren’t exactly in a position to capitalize on it for themselves. Sure, they’re hanging around the Eastern Conference play-in picture - but let’s be honest, this isn’t a roster built to make noise in the postseason.
The ceiling is low, and the future is murky. That’s why moving Vučević before the trade deadline makes all the sense in the world.
Time to Turn the Page
Let’s be clear: Chicago isn’t going to get a king’s ransom for Vučević. Those days are behind him.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no value to be found. Even a second-round pick or a young flyer could be worth more to the Bulls’ long-term outlook than keeping Vučević around for a few more months of .500 basketball.
He’s not part of the future - nor should he be. And with his contract expiring, the Bulls are staring at the classic rental scenario.
The smart move? Flip him to a team that’s looking for a veteran presence, floor spacing, and interior scoring for the stretch run.
Potential Suitors Should Be Watching Closely
There are teams out there that could use a player like Vučević - a stretch five who can pass, rebound, and give you 30+ minutes without breaking down. He's been durable, reliable, and lately, highly productive. Whether it's a contender looking to bolster its bench or a team trying to stabilize its frontcourt, Vučević brings a proven skill set.
Take Golden State, for example. They've got their eyes on internal development - Jonathan Kuminga is finally getting the minutes he deserves - but their frontcourt rotation has been inconsistent.
Al Horford, while still capable in spurts, hasn’t quite filled the void they hoped he would. Vučević could be a short-term solution, especially if the Warriors decide to make one last push in the Steph Curry era.
A Performance That Turned Heads
Vučević’s recent 35-point outing against the Jazz - paired with seven rebounds, five assists, and two blocks - was a reminder of what he can still do when fully engaged. Yes, it came in a narrow win over a struggling Utah team, but that doesn’t diminish the performance. He’s showing teams that he’s still got gas in the tank and can contribute meaningfully right now.
His defense isn’t going to anchor a playoff unit, but that’s not what teams would be trading for. They’d be getting a skilled offensive center who can stretch the floor, facilitate from the elbow, and rebound at a high level. That’s a valuable piece for the right team - especially one that doesn’t need him to be a defensive stopper.
The Clock’s Ticking in Chicago
With less than three weeks to go until the trade deadline, the Bulls are running out of time to make a decision. And while this front office hasn’t exactly inspired confidence with its past moves, this one feels straightforward. Vučević has done his part - now it’s on Chicago to do theirs.
There’s no need to overthink this. No, they won’t get a first-round pick.
But they don’t need to. They just need to move on.
Let Vučević chase a playoff run elsewhere, and start reshaping the roster with an eye toward the future.
The Vučević era in Chicago isn’t ending with a bang - but if the Bulls play this right, it doesn’t have to end with a whimper either.