NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls, Nikola Vucevic, Warriors, Sixers

Our ongoing series evaluating rosters and potential moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline (Feb. 6) …

Chicago Bulls

The big question for the Chicago Bulls: Is it time to prioritize the postseason, or should they double down on developing young talent and securing a high pick?

With a roster that features established veterans and promising young players, the Bulls are at a crossroads.

Zach LaVine, once considered untradeable due to his hefty contract, has turned heads with his career-best shooting from the field and near career-high marks from beyond the arc.

His resurgence—along with his remaining two years on a $43 million per year deal—has made him a desirable trade piece for teams looking for scoring punch.

Then there’s Nikola Vucevic, who’s playing arguably his best basketball since his Orlando days. At $20 million this season, Vucevic brings veteran leadership and solid on-court production, but with his contract expiring in 2026, the question remains: Is his leadership more valuable than what the Bulls could get in return through trade?

An NBA contender might find value in his experience, even if the draft compensation isn’t as enticing.

Meanwhile, Lonzo Ball’s return from injury is still uncertain, but if healthy, his expiring contract could provide an intriguing asset for a team in need of depth, potentially fetching a second-round pick.

For the Bulls, players like Coby White ($12M, UFA 2026) could be on the move too, with his value rising as a versatile backcourt option.

However, the big focus remains the long-term picture: Will they keep pursuing playoff contention with this current roster, or finally embrace a rebuild by trading away key veterans for draft capital?

Their top-10 protected first-round pick to San Antonio in 2025 complicates the situation, but the Bulls do have some flexibility with their second-round picks and could look to move forward with a younger core.

One thing’s clear: As trade talks heat up, the Bulls have some tough decisions ahead.

Golden State Warriors

The big question is if there has been enough time to evaluate this roster before making any drastic moves.

The Warriors remain locked in a tight Western Conference race, but the clock is ticking, and with three first-round picks on the table, they could be preparing for another major move before the NBA trade deadline.

Golden State has a potential position of need: Do they move one of their veterans like Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, or Dennis Schroder to make a deeper run? Or do they sit tight and see if their young talent—like Jonathan Kuminga—can contribute in a meaningful way?

Kuminga, at just $7.6 million, is a tantalizing asset. But his future with the Warriors could be in question, especially if his development doesn’t align with Golden State’s championship window.

Do they trade him now for an immediate upgrade, or match any offers on a potential offer sheet? The Warriors’ depth and ability to hit on key trades will be tested, especially with the looming decision on Kuminga’s next contract.

Golden State’s financials are tricky, as they are currently $5.8 million over the luxury tax and projected to pay a hefty penalty.

With multiple expiring contracts and a strong desire to stay competitive, the Warriors must decide whether it’s worth sacrificing some of their future draft capital for an immediate boost.

Philadelphia 76ers

In Philadelphia, the big question is: Should they pull the trigger on a trade to enhance their championship chances, or stand pat and assess the team’s development over the rest of the season?

The Sixers have a loaded roster, anchored by Joel Embiid (when healthy), Paul George (ditto) and Tyrese Maxey, but with the trade deadline approaching, they might look to make a move.

Players like Caleb Martin and Kelly Oubre Jr. could be expendable if they want to make room for a shot-creator or bolster their depth. But with they already well into the luxury tax, does it make sense to trade away depth for another potential star?

Meanwhile, the 76ers also have veteran players like Kyle Lowry—who still carries value due to his NBA championship experience—but there’s the question of whether Philadelphia can afford to give up too much salary without taking back more money.

They could potentially combine contracts like Martin, Oubre, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin to create a $29 million trade package, but the Sixers are essentially stuck in a position where any move must align with their current cap situation.

As the 76ers push for another playoff run, it’s clear they’ll be keeping an eye on key assets like rookie Ricky Council IV and their various trade chips—but what is the right balance between bolstering the roster for a potential title and preserving financial flexibility moving forward?