The Chicago Bulls have some big decisions to make ahead of next season, but one possible move is out of the question.
Over the past few years, the Bulls’ roster has changed dramatically. While there are still a few players who have stuck around for a handful of seasons, the team is clearly shifting toward a youth movement and hoping to build around its rising stars such as Matas Buzelis.
Considering the shift in philosophy, the Bulls have been willing to let some of their aging players go. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are still teammates but now in Sacramento, plus the team recently sent Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Still, Nikola Vucevic has stuck around through all of the big moves. While there hasn’t been much traction on a potential trade for the former All-Star, there have still been rumors about the team being willing to part ways.
Of course, the only other way outside of a trade would be a buyout. While Vucevic fits the bill for a buyout candidate as he’s on an expiring deal, Bulls reporter K.C. Johnson recently shut down that rumor.
Johnson explained that Vucevic is not only not being bought out, but that the Bulls would like to turn his deal into some assets. Coming off what Johnson called Vucevic’s best season in Chicago, it wouldn’t make sense for the Bulls to cut ties with him just to get it over with. He has been one of the league’s most consistent centers for the past decade or so, and he still has plenty left in the tank.
Although it might be difficult to find the perfect trade partner, it seems likely that some suitor will pop up in the coming months.
