Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Lakers, Warriors emerge as strong suitors for Chicago Bulls center, Nikola Vucevic

The 14-year veteran is averaging 20.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on an impressive 42.4% from three this season.

Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The trade rumors are ramping up around the league as the deadline is less than a month away. Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic is on the radar of the Lakers and the Warriors. Two Western Conference heavyweights are the strongest trade suitors for the two-time NBA All-Star.

Evan Sidery, the NBA contributor at Forbes reported that the Lakers and the Warriors can match Vucevic’s $20 million salary in talks with the Bulls utilizing various contracts. He said, “Chicago will likely have to end up settling for second-round draft capital on Vucevic.”

The Lakers and Warriors are viewed as the strongest trade suitors for Nikola Vucevic.

Both teams can match Vucevic’s $20 million salary in talks with the Bulls utilizing various contracts.

Chicago will likely have to end up settling for second-round draft capital on Vucevic. pic.twitter.com/Xc0hnbIT9Y
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 13, 2025

Chicago Bulls are hoping to make a playoff run this season and they might trade Nikola Vucevic before the deadline to build a strong roaster for the future. Vucevic was the 6th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He played for Orlando Magic before coming to Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune recently asked Vucevic about the trade rumors and the the Bulls center said, “This time of year, it’s part of it.” Nikola Vucevic has been used to hearing trade rumors since his time in Orlando. “You can’t get caught up into that stuff. I’ve heard rumors ever since I was in Orlando. Everybody knows it and that’s just how it goes. Everybody online is going to have their opinions,” Vucevic concluded.

Also Read:

Why Vucevic would be a welcome addition for Warriors?

The 14-year veteran is averaging 20.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on an impressive 42.4% from three this season. One trade that could significantly improve the Warriors’ roster is Nikola Vucevic. After making a 12-3 start to the season, Golden State are struggling at 19-19 in the West.

Jonathan Kuminga is out of the lineups due to an ankle sprain and the Warriors are now without an interior scoring threat. Nikola Vucevic’s inclusion in the team would help Golden State to improve their game in offense.

Warriors jersey looks good on you @NikolaVucevic pic.twitter.com/CMEd5syTPg
— Zo 🌶️🔥 (@ZoSpicyDubs) January 12, 2025

Brett Siegel recently reported that the Warriors are looking to add frontcourt depth and already have Vucevic in mind. Vucevic’s offense would impact Golden State’s game. In this trade, the Warriors will give Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, and Trayce Jackson-Davis from the current roaster. Bulls will receive multiple second-round picks as well for the veteran center.

Gary Payton II has missed 107 games since the start of the 2022-2023 season while Trayce Jackson-Davis (8.8 PPG) is struggling in the shooting. Buddy Hield has been inconsistent and averaged 12.4 PPG and 3.4 RPG this season. Warriors are currently starting two non-scoring threats in Draymond Green and Jackson-Davis.

Lakers want center upgrade before playoffs

On the other side, the Los Angeles Lakers are willing to do a center upgrade. Nikola Vucevic, Robert Williams and Jonas Valanciunas are the best choices for the Lakers. After acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith, Los Angeles side is setting up for another move.

Nikola Vucevic could be a great addition for the Lakers, who are the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 20-16 record in 36 games. The two-time NBA All-Star is putting outrageous offensive production this season.

Los Angeles can either move Hachimura or Vanderbilt at the deadline to acquire Vucevic. It won’t be possible for the Lakers to trade for the Bulls center without moving one of these two.

Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Golden State Warriors

Los Angeles Lakers

NBA 2024-25

Nikola Vucevic

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.