Report: Nikola Vucevic Views Warriors As Desirable Destination Should Bulls Trade Him

According to NBA reporters Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, Nikola Vucevic views the Golden State Warriors as a desirable destination should the Chicago Bulls trade him. 

The Warriors are interested in acquiring Vucevic.

“The Warriors have discussed Vucevic, and league sources say the Bulls big man views Golden State as a desirable destination should Chicago decide to deal him,” Slater and Thompson II wrote. “There are differing opinions on how well he’d fit and how much he’s needed, but he’ll remain a secondary option for the Warriors as the market materializes in the next week.

“The Warriors are nearly $6 million above the luxury-tax line, and there is a thought to perhaps duck it and help reset the repeater clock, considering their current path to mediocrity. But team sources said getting out of the tax isn’t mandatory — though it would be viewed as an added benefit if it happens within a deal — and maintain that improving the near- and long-term outlook of the on-court product is priority.”

Vucevic is averaging 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks for the Bulls this season while shooting 54.9% from the field, 39.8% from beyond the arc and 82.0% from the free-throw line. He’s making $20 million. 

“This time of year, it’s part of it,” Vucevic told the Chicago Tribune about seeing and hearing his name in trade rumors. “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 is a two-time NBA All-Star. He has career averages of 17.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks with the Orlando Magic and Bulls. 

The Warriors are only 23-23. They are in 11th place in the Western Conference standings.

Golden State missed the playoffs last season. 

Meanwhile, the Bulls are 20-27. They are in 10th place in the East. 

Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021. 

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