Offseason trade proposal sends Nikola Vucevic to Lakers

One NBA analyst proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers trade for Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic this offseason. 

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Bulls:

Chicago Bulls Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G Shake Milton, 2025 second-round pick

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Nikola Vučević

“The rebuilding Chicago Bulls finally found a buyer for Zach LaVine in the Sacramento Kings at the deadline,” Swartz wrote. “Now, they should be shopping the 34-year-old Vučević aggressively this summer before he becomes a free agent in 2026. Vučević isn’t the best stylistic fit next to Luka Dončić and LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers, although he’s a huge upgrade from Jaxson Hayes and can be a reliable third-to-fourth scoring option on a nightly basis while providing good rebounding and passing.

“Hachimura, 27, has become one the NBA’s best shooting forwards (41.0 percent from three this season) who should thrive playing next to pass-first guards like Josh Giddey and Lonzo Ball.”

Vucevic has appeared in 68 games for the Bulls this season. He’s averaging 18.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists while shooting 53.1% from the field, 40.0% from beyond the arc and 80.7% from the free-throw line. 

A two-time All-Star, Vucevic will make $21,481,481 next season in the final year of his contract. 

A USC product, Vucevic has played for the Orlando Magic and Bulls. He has career averages of 17.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists. 

The Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. Jaxson Hayes has been starting for Los Angeles at center since the Davis-Doncic trade. 

The Lakers acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, but the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical with Los Angeles. 

Most people around the NBA expect Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to try to trade for a center again this offseason. It will be fascinating to see if Pelinka calls the Bulls about Vucevic.