Time is ticking until the trade deadline. It's been relatively quiet across the NBA following the Phoenix Suns' acquisition of their new starting center, Nick Richards, a week ago today. The Suns would later agree to another trade a week thereafter. The subsequent trade between the Utah Jazz and Phoenix involved four draft picks as the Suns loaded up with the future in mind.
One of the more closely monitored squads, the Chicago Bulls, has yet to make a move despite being heavily involved in trade chatter. Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, Torrey Craig, and Patrick Williams have recently been mentioned as potential trade candidates.
LaVine and Vucevic are the most sought-after, although simultaneously the most difficult to trade for. LaVine is slated to earn $43 million this season before collecting $46 million next and nearly $49 million in 2026-27. The 29-year-old swingman's contract is almost impossible for most contenders to absorb—teams like the salary cap-rich Detroit Pistons have recently been mentioned as potential suitors for the two-time All-Star.
While Vucevic is slated to earn $41 million this season and next, his age and contract make him a questionable trade candidate. Although he's not overpaid, several less expensive big men are/were on the trade block, i.e., Robert Williams III, Jonas Valanciunas, and the recently traded Richards.
LaVine and Vucevic's values are peaking at the right time
Nevertheless, sentiment around the league remains positive regarding both LaVine and Vucevic. According to NBA Insider Sham Charania, "Rival executives have applauded a rejuvenated season from LaVine," deservedly so. The 29-year-old is enjoying an impressive, resurgent campaign.
After missing nearly all last season due to a foot injury, LaVine has been absent for only five contests this season. The athletic swingman is shooting better than ever before. LaVine is converting 45.0 percent of his three-pointers and 51.4 percent of his field goals. He's one of three players and the only one under 6-foot-10, shooting above 50 percent from the field and 45 percent from three.
Charania added that the 11-year veteran "has impressed the Bulls with his professionalism and leadership, a year after both sides scanned the market for trade opportunities." Charania's comments ring true, as several Bulls' insiders, including Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson, have praised LaVine's professionalism as he goes about navigating a trade-rumor-marred season.
Instead of compelling another team to take on LaVine and the remaining $138 million he's owed, it's becoming evident that the Bulls can acquire valuable assets in exchange for their leading scorer. A year ago, it felt inevitable that Chicago would need to attach draft compensation to trade their overpaid, injury-riddled former star.
A year later, that same overpaid, injury-riddled former star has resurrected his career and trade value. Those around the league wrote LaVine off too soon. The same can be said for Vucevic. While Charania didn't echo the same sentiment of rival executives, he noted that various teams, including the Golden State Warriors, have expressed interest in the 6-foot-10 center leading up to the deadline.
Vooch is notably averaging a double-double, 20.3 points, and 10.4 rebounds while splashing 41.1 percent of his three-pointers. The Bulls have held out for a first-round pick for their starting center and might actually receive one if the Warriors or another pseudo-contender get desperate enough.
All in all, it's encouraging to hear those around the league are impressed by LaVine and Vucevic's strong 2024-25 campaigns. The duo cratered last season as injuries and inefficiency derailed their careers. However, it didn't take long for the pair to revive their values ahead of a pivotal trade deadline.