It feels like a new update on the happenings with the Chicago Bulls rolls in each passing hour. With under a week until the trade cutoff, it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Whether it’s specific to an asset on the roster, a general report on the front office’s mindset heading into next Thursday, or an ultimatum for Arturas Karnisovas, rumors around the franchise are slowly painting a clear picture of how the next week will transpire. In this morning’s latest news drop, via NBA reporter Evan Sidery from the Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley, a final verdict has been reached on the future of Nikola Vucevic. Here’s what is going to happen with the 35-year-old center on an expiring contract, and what it means for the future of the franchise.
Vucevic Is Not Going Anywhere
The most common reaction among Bulls fans over the last two weeks has been a collective sigh of disappointment, and possibly an eye roll. This update brings more of the same, as Karnisovas has once again mishandled a depreciating asset, missed his window to flip him for future stock, and will net the Bulls nothing in return for a player who was once a sought-after asset for a playoff roster. The sickening cycle continues for Chicago. The failure to gain the franchise anything for a free agent that’ll walk this summer adds to a long list of faults for this front office.
The Bulls’ trade market for Nikola Vucevic is nonexistent, per @JCowleyHoops.
Chicago had multiple opportunities last year to move Vucevic, but held firm on a value higher than teams wanted to pay.
Vucevic will now likely leave Chicago as a free agent without netting an asset. pic.twitter.com/wXP2Vord4g
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 30, 2026
There’s no debate that Vucevic is helping the Bulls win games. He’s posting an impressive 19/9/5 line per night and an important cog in the offensive attack and rebounding battle. However, he’s also among the weakest rim-protectors leaguewide, isn’t contributing to a rebuilding product, and will eat a considerable amount of cap space if resigned.
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Not Striking When The Iron Is Hot
Arturas Karnisovas will be labeled as many things when he leaves Chicago, but the most memorable trend of disappointments is refusing to sell-high on assets with some value left. This was seen with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, and is now coming back around with Vucevic and Coby White. Two players that teams were reportedly willing to pay multiple draft picks for in previous seasons, including first round stock, foregone to commit to mediocrity. Now that Karnisovas has hinted a fire sale when these assets are months away from being free agents, opposing clubs are unwilling to meet the same demands.
REPORT: Warriors Eye Nikola Vučević as Top Trade Target
Per @TheAthletic, Nikola Vučević has emerged as the Warriors’ top trade target. The front office and coaching staff have acknowledged the team’s need for a true stretch center—something Stephen Curry has never really had. pic.twitter.com/WiFhqSiz3O
— GSW Ball Report (@GSWBallReport) January 4, 2025
This trade deadline will once again end with Vucevic still on the roster, a weak return for White if he’s dealt at all, and more continued mediocrity for a franchise unable to escape the middle ground for almost a decade.
With a botched trade cutoff next week, is Karnisovas shown the door?
