A quick roundup of some of the latest Chicago Bulls news, including a(nother) disappointing injury update on Jaden Ivey, a bad break for Nikola Vucevic, and more items to add to the list of Arturas Karnisovas's trade deadline miscues.
Old friend Nikola Vucevic to miss extended time with a finger injury
It was about two years too late, but Karnisovas finally let Vucevic leave at this year's trade deadline. The 35-year-old center, who had no business playing in Chicago anymore, was traded to Boston in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a sneaky valuable second-round pick.
Simons will likely end up as nothing more than salary filler. The 26-year-old hasn't played since Feb. 21 as he continues to deal with a wrist injury.
Vucevic finally has an opportunity to win something with the Celtics, especially with Jayson Tatum's triumphant return. In 12 games with Boston, Vooch is averaging 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game.
Hopefully, the big man can get healthy for the playoffs and contribute to a team aiming for a title. He deserves it.
Jaden Ivey's return is in doubt
The Bulls kicked off a five-game West Coast road trip with a March 5 win (oops) over the Phoenix Suns. A 126-110 loss to the Sacramento Kings, owners of the league's worst record, two nights later was more like it.
But Ivey didn't play a role in either game and won't until at least March 16 when Chicago returns home.
Ivey is still being treated for soreness in his left knee, and head coach Billy Donovan isn't 100 percent sure the 24-year-old will play again this season, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Ivey was having a career year before breaking his left leg last January and hasn't been the same since. Bringing him aboard for the low price of Kevin Huerter was a worthwhile gamble, but the Bulls have to be concerned about whether they'll ever see the healthy version of a player talented enough to be selected fifth overall in 2022.
Bulls missed the same boat twice at the deadline
The San Antonio Spurs and Jeremy Sochan parted ways shortly after the trade deadline. He caught on with the New York Knicks, but has barely seen the floor, having played a total of 50 minutes in nine appearances.
The former top-10 pick would sure make sense in Chicago right now as a versatile, athletic, defense-first wing. He would be one of the Bulls' biggest rotation players at 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds.
The Knicks did, however, receive a solid contribution from 20-year-old Pacome Dadiet, who scored 11 points in nine minutes (granted, it was garbage time) while converting all three of his 3-point tries.
The 6-foot-9 Frenchman isn't a real rotation option yet, but he was certainly available for Karnisovas to grab had he decided to make a move.
A young 3-and-D wing in need of developmental minutes sure seems like a prospect who would fit in Chicago at the moment.