Change Coming: Chicago Bulls Expected to Deal Veteran Talent
The Chicago Bulls fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, 135-119, for its sixth loss of the season. As a rebuilding team, the Bulls will focus more on developing their young talents than climbing the Eastern Conference rankings.
Chicago has been mired in trade rumors over the past few months, with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic floated as potential trade chips. However, the front office could not locate a deal that made sense. As such, the two veterans remain on the roster and have been productive team members over the first nine games.
According to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, Chicago is still open to trading its two veteran stars.
“Chicago is still expected to explore trade options for both LaVine and Vucevic later in the season, sources told ESPN, but the focus now is for both players to rebound after disappointing 2023-2024 seasons,” Collier reported.
Judging by Collier’s reporting, the Bulls are waiting for LaVine and Vucevic to improve their value around the NBA. Chicago has minimal tradeable assets. Moving their two stars would be the quickest way to restock their cupboard, but LaVine’s albatross of a contract and Vucevic’s age work against the Bulls.
Therefore, putting both stars in a position to succeed is the quickest way to drum up interest around the league. Sooner or later, the Bulls’ front office must accept it’s time to pull the trigger on these trades and bid farewell. Until they can orchestrate a clean break, Chicago will be stuck in mid-standings purgatory, with no clear path forward and a slow regression toward the bottom of the league.
Chicago’s long-term future relies on the front office finding new homes for LaVine and Vucevic. Until then, the franchise will be treading water as it looks to develop talent while also being within reach of a high draft pick.
Sooner or later, the Bulls must pick a lane. They just so happen to have a rare instance of patience that could potentially yield a bigger payday.
