NBA Mock Trade: Warriors Acquire Nikola Vučević from Bulls

In this NBA mock trade, the Golden State Warriors acquire Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls.
Jan 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at United Center.
Jan 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at United Center. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Nikola Vučević has long been one of the most consistent and versatile big men in the NBA, and as trade rumors swirl, his potential value to a new team cannot be overstated. A two-time All-Star with the ability to stretch the floor, crash the boards, and create offense both in the post and from beyond the arc, Vučević represents a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Any team looking to solidify its frontcourt or add a reliable scoring option would instantly benefit from his presence. Whether paired with a dynamic perimeter duo or inserted as the centerpiece of a rebuilding effort, Vučević’s veteran leadership and proven production make him a trade target capable of making an immediate impact.

In this NBA mock trade, we explore what it would take for the Golden State Warriors to acquire him. With a roster built around elite shooting and guard play, the Warriors could use a dependable big man who can stretch the floor, grab critical rebounds, and anchor the paint on both ends. Adding Vučević would not only give Golden State a new layer of versatility but also provide a seasoned presence in the frontcourt capable of elevating their championship window even further.

Golden State Warriors - Chicago Bulls NBA Mock Trade Details & Fantasy Basketball Impact

Warriors Acquire:

Nikola Vučević

Bulls Acquire:

Quentin Post

Moses Moody

Buddy Hield

If Nikola Vučević joins the Warriors, his fantasy value could increase or remain the same. He would immediately become the team’s starting center, reducing minutes for players like Al Horford and taking over time previously held by Quentin Post. With Jimmy Butler out for the season due to a torn ACL, Vučević could also be asked to take on a larger scoring role, potentially boosting his fantasy value.

For the players joining the Bulls, all three have the potential for increased fantasy value. Quentin Post could step into a larger role as the Bulls’ starting center, which should boost his minutes and overall production. Buddy Hield could see more playing time, as the Bulls need additional support in three-point shooting, giving him plenty of opportunities. Moses Moody would be immediately slotted into the Bulls’ guard rotation, providing him with ample chances to flourish and increase his production.

Why The Warriors Make The Trade

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic
Jan 2, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) warms up before an NBA game against the Orlando Magic at United Center. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Acquiring Nikola Vučević would provide the Golden State Warriors with a versatile and proven frontcourt presence that immediately elevates their championship window. Vučević’s ability to score both in the post and from beyond the arc would create new spacing opportunities for Curry, Podziemski, and Green, making the offense even more dynamic and difficult to defend.

On the defensive end, his size and rebounding would help anchor the paint, allowing Draymond Green to roam and orchestrate the defense more freely.

While the Warriors would be giving up on a mix of promising young talent in Moses Moody and Quentin Post, along with veteran Buddy Hield, the trade accelerates their win-now strategy by replacing potential with immediate impact.

Ultimately, Vučević’s scoring, leadership, and versatility make him the kind of complementary star who could be the difference-maker in deep playoff runs.

Why The Bulls Make The Trade

Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody
Jan 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) attempts a three pointer against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center. | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls might consider trading Nikola Vučević for Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and Quentin Post to rebalance their roster and improve spacing. While Vučević provides elite scoring and rebounding in the post, the Bulls have struggled with consistent three-point shooting, and Hield offers a proven sharpshooter who can open the floor for the rest of the offense.

Adding Moody gives them a young, athletic wing with defensive versatility, and Post adds depth and multi-positional upside, giving Chicago a mix of youth and potential to build around. The trade would also help manage salary flexibility and reduce overlap in the frontcourt, allowing the Bulls to modernize their roster while maintaining competitiveness.

Ultimately, this move would shift the team toward a more versatile, floor-spacing-friendly core without sacrificing scoring entirely.

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Ryan Shea
RYAN SHEA

Ryan Shea is a seasoned sports enthusiast with a sharp eye for strategy and a deep love for the game—no matter the sport. Whether he’s analyzing roster moves or spotting trends before they hit the headlines, Ryan brings a unique mix of research, instinct, and insider perspective to his writing. With over a decade of experience dominating fantasy leagues, he knows what it takes to build championship-caliber lineups. A diehard fan of all things New York, Ryan proudly reps the Jets, Yankees, Knicks, and Rangers—win or lose.