Well, it appears the Chicago Bulls trade moves are starting. As the new front office is headstrong about improving this roster and trying to reach the postseason, after a relatively quiet offseason and an evaluation process throughout the first part of the season.
First-year President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley entirely shook up the Bulls roster by trading away Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and two first-round picks for the two-time All-star center Nikola Vucevic and Aminu, reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.
Here’s the deal: The Bulls land Nikola Vucevic and Al Farouq Aminu for Otto Porter, Wendell Carter Jr., and two first-round picks. Huge addition for Chicago, who remains in pursuit of Lonzo Ball. The Magic are moving toward a rebuild now with Aaron Gordon deal on deck.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
According to the front office and head coach Billy Donovan, Chicago wanted to bring in a productive, serious-minded vet to become a cornerstone piece for the franchise and to accelerate the Bulls’ rebuilding process.
Chicago is sending over their 2021 first-round pick as well as their 2023.
Nikola Vucevic has been the epitome of greatness ever since he arrived in Orlando. Their success in recent years has been driven by his remarkable play. This season he’s averaging 24.5 points while gathering 11.8 rebounds on 48% shooting from the field and a proficient 40% from three. He’ll now be joining another All-star in Chicago in Zach LaVine in hopes to end the Windy City’s three-year playoff drought.
VUCEVIC to the BULLS!
Some of Vooch’s best GMS
43 PTS, 19 REB (17/29 FG)
42 PTS, 9 REB (6/8 3PT)
41 PTS, 12 REB (17/22 FG)
37 PTS, 17 REB (18/25 FG)
31 PTS, 13 REB, 10 AST
30 PTS, 16 REB, 10 AST
30 PTS, 21 REB
24 PTS, 23 REB
20 PTS, 29 REBpic.twitter.com/H6n8p7zhlx— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 25, 2021
Fun fact: The Chicago Bulls now have the second most All-stars in the Eastern Conference.
This team currently places 10th in the Eastern Conference– qualifying for the play-in game– with a 19-24 record. Vucevic will add much talent and veteran leadership to this squad. But Chicago may not be done yet, as they are still seeking a deal for Lonzo Ball.
The Orlando Magic are now clearly offloading their roster and doing a complete rebuild. Aaron Gordon may soon be on the move as well. Orlando has decided that they want to move on to a new era which means dealing fan favorites away.
