Chicago Bulls’ Expectation Before NBA Trade Deadline Revealed

The Chicago Bulls are expected to be active at the NBA trade deadline

Nov 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs his team against the Boston Celtics during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Trade rumors are often thrown around when a team has multiple players that could be assets to contenders and the team is underperforming. This is the case with the Chicago Bulls, as their 8-13 record currently has them as a bottom-five team in the Eastern Conference.

Earlier this offseason, trade talks were hot around guard Zach LaVine and center Nikola Vuceivc, with DeMar DeRozan leaving for Sacramento via a sign-and-trade. While talks cooled off to start the season with both players playing well, conversations have heated up as the team sinks in the standings and both players increasing in value.

As the Bulls openly shop Nikola Vucevic, he’s putting together a resurgent season boosting his trade value for contending teams:

20.9 points
10.0 rebounds
3.2 assists
67.2 TS%
46.9 3PT%

Vucevic is very likely to be on the move from Chicago before February’s deadline passes. pic.twitter.com/Cbxs3p7SLI

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) November 30, 2024

In a story by NBA correspondent Marc Stein, here's what he had to say about Chicago and their plans ahead of the trade deadline:

"I can relay that I have heard the same and even a confidence emanating from the Windy City that the Bulls believe they will strike at least one significant deal before the Feb. 6 trade deadline to shed at least one high-profile veteran from the roster."

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) looks on in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Vucevic and LaVine are two of the three oldest players on the Bulls roster, with Torrey Craig being the other. Vucevic will be a far easier contract to move on from, as he's making $20 million this year while LaVine is just over $43 million.

Teams like the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors may look to be potential suitors for either of the former all-stars.

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