It's only a matter of time before the Chicago Bulls part ways with its remaining veterans. After years of mediocracy, Chicago finally decided to move on from two key contributors in the offseason. First, the Bulls sent All-Defensive second-teamer Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City in exchange for 22-year-old Josh Giddey.
Less than a month later, Chicago sent 35-year-old DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade. The Bulls received Chris Duarte and a pair of second-rounders for the six-time All-Star. After the departures of Caruso and DeRozan, alongside Andre Drummond, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason, Chicago is left with two players who are at least 30 years old and one who will turn 30 in March.
Of Chicago's veterans, all have been made available on the trade market. Nikola Vucevic is the most sought-after 30-plus-year-old, as he's experiencing a career year, shooting 58.4 percent from the floor and 46.5 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 20.9 points per game. Although not nearly as statistically impressive as Vucevic, 34-year-old forward Torrey Craig is a desirable trade candidate because of his minimum contract.
The Nuggets have their sights set on LaVine amid his impressive season
Aside from the elder statesman, 29-year-old Zach LaVine is one of the most talked about candidates on the trade market. Following an injury-marred 2023-24 campaign, LaVine is scorching the nets, converting 50.1 percent of his field goals and a career-high 44.4 percent of his triples. The 6-foot-5 guard averages 22.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, have expressed interest in the eleventh-year pro.
The Nuggets are reportedly "canvassing the league" to upgrade its roster around perennial MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. The 29-year-old big man averages an otherworldly 31.0 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game this season. However, the rest of the rotation, especially the reserve unit, has failed to make an impact without Jokic on the floor.
Due to LaVine's expensive contract, the Nuggets must include one of Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, or Jamal Murray in any trade. Of the three Nuggets, Porter Jr. is the likeliest to be dealt to Chicago prior to the trade deadline because of the latter two's trade restrictions. The 6-foot-10 forward is slated to earn roughly $115 million over the next three seasons. LaVine is a tick higher, raking in $128 million through 2027.
One player sticks out more than most to bridge the gap between LaVine and Porter Jr.'s contractual differences. That's big man Zeke Nnaji, who's on the books for four seasons and $32 million. Nnaji is slated to earn roughly $9 million this year, which, combined with Porter Jr.'s $36 million, allows for a legal trade between the two franchises.
Chicago is unwilling to trade for Zeke Nnaji
However, despite the seamlessness of the hypothetical trade, the Bulls are reportedly unwilling to acquire Nnaji because of his long-term contract. Initially reported by K.C. Johnson of CHSN, Marc Stein via The Stein Line further elaborated, reiterating that the Bulls have "balked at Nnaji's inclusion" in such a trade.
Despite a rotation-level contract, Nnaji has only appeared in 16 games, totaling 79 minutes. The 6-foot-9 big has averaged only 1.3 points and 0.4 rebounds per contest. Following solid second and third seasons, Nnaji has regressed to an end-of-the-bench role in his fifth season at 24 years old. Although the sample size is justifiably small, Denver is an unimaginable 56.6 points per 100 possessions worse with the former Arizona Wildcat on the floor.
Nnaji's shrunken role, disappointing production, and ample contract have made the fifth-year pro almost untradeable. Even though Nnaji is an undesirable trade candidate, the Nuggets are reportedly eager to send the big man in any corresponding trade and will include draft compensation as a sweetener.
The recent report seemingly allows for Chicago to acquire much-needed draft compensation in a LaVine-to-Denver trade that also includes Nnaji. However, acquiring the veteran forward appears to be the Bulls' sticking point. Perhaps if Denver parts with one of its few unrestricted first-rounders, the Bulls will bite. As for now, Chicago and Denver must decide on a middle ground that doesn't include Nnaji unless certain requirements are met.