21.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 three-pointers per game. Those are the superb numbers of Chicago Bulls Nikola Vucevic in his 14th professional season. In addition to his counting stats, Vucevic is converting a career-high 64.0 percent of his twos and 47.5 percent of his threes.
Vucevic is one of the better offensive hubs in the NBA. He's efficient, possesses terrific footwork in the post, can score from any zone on the court, and provides a bonus to any offense as a nifty passer. Despite his age (34 years old), his game is built to age gracefully into his late 30s.
Nikola Vucevic is putting together truly outrageous offensive production this season...
— NBA University (@NBA_University) December 19, 2024
Outlandish shooting numbers, old-school footwork oriented post moves, excellent hook and push-shot touch. The scoring is out of control efficient right now. Wonder if/where he gets moved? pic.twitter.com/Hm36jF7XbD
Nonetheless, Vucevic's trade market has reportedly been lacking. His best offensive season of his career hasn't been enough to deter teams from absorbing his three-year, $60 million contract. Although it's not considerably egregious by NBA standards, acquiring players who earn above $20 million is increasingly difficult under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Centers are reportedly the NBA's most desired trade targets
Players who earn roughly $10-15 million are all the rage on the trade market. NBA Insider Jake Fischer recently reported on The Stein Line that centers, especially those who earn less than $20 million benchmark, such as Jonas Valanciunas and Robert Williams III, are the position of greatest intrigue as the trade deadline nears.
Fischer elaborated by discussing the recent shift to acquire multiple, different-skilled bigs. The Insider mentioned the Oklahoma City Thunder's offseason signing of Isaiah Hartenstein and how the bruising 7-footer complements the wiry Chet Holmgren well. Besides the Thunder's never-before-seen duo, Fischer pointed to the Boston Celtics' corral of bigs as one of the better ensembles in the league.
Further on, Fischer provided numerous examples of championship-level team's desires to bolster their center rotations. For example, the Milwaukee Bucks are aiming to pair Brook Lopez with a more athletic lob threat. The LA Clippers are on the hunt for a switchable reserve to complement the hulking Ivica Zubac. And the Golden State Warriors are scouring the market for a big with adequate size to allow for players like Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis to play their natural positions.
Vucevic is a perfect complement to any defensive-minded big
All things considered, Vucevic's versatile offense is the ultimate complement to any athletic, defensive center, or even power forward. Fischer noted it's much easier to move Valanciunas' three-year, $30 million pact, but with teams eyeing centers, Vucevic's $41 million over the next two years doesn't feel as immovable as it once did.
For instance, Vucevic fits well on the Warriors next to the defensive-minded Green at the four. He'd also pair nicely with do-it-all forward/center Anthony Davis in the Los Angeles Lakers frontcourt. Although the Memphis Grizzlies haven't been discussed as a team eyeing a trade, a Jaren Jackson Jr.-Vucevic front line would be one the best and most versatile in the NBA.
Numerous teams could use Vucevic's services—he's far too good for a contender in need of an upgrade at center to pass up. Furthermore, the 34-year-old is under contract for only one more season. Thus, his high-level play isn't likely to fade amid his current contract. While he may not be the first domino to fall, expect the Bulls to trade Vooch if the asking price is right, considering the increasing value of the center.