The Bulls are among the teams with interest in Jazz center Rudy Gobert, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. O’Connor reports that Chicago has its eye on a number of centers who could be available this offseason, including unrestricted free agent Mitchell Robinson.
Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls’ current starting center, is coming off a 2021/22 season in which he averaged 17.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game on .473/.314/.760 shooting in 73 games (33.1 MPG). That scoring average was Vucevic’s lowest since 2017/18, though that was largely about him taking on a complementary offensive role in Chicago alongside Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan after a few years of being the go-to guy in Orlando.
If the Bulls were to make a play for Gobert, Vucevic would almost certainly have to be included in their trade offer, both for salary-matching purposes and due to their on-court incompatibility.
Gobert, of course, is a much better defender than Vucevic and less of an offensive weapon, which might be a better fit for the Bulls, especially if LaVine is re-signed. However, Gobert also represents the far more significant financial commitment — he’s under contract for nearly $170MM over the next four years, while Vucevic will have a $22MM expiring deal.
If the Bulls hang onto Vucevic this offseason, they’ll likely pursue a more affordable backup center. It’s unclear if a free agent like Robinson would be willing to accept such a role, but perhaps he’d be intrigued by the opportunity if there’s a potential path to a larger role after Vucevic’s contract expires. The Bulls will also have the option of negotiating an extension with Vucevic.
Chicago will be over the cap this offseason, assuming LaVine returns, but should have the full mid-level exception available to offer potential free agent targets.
O’Connor adds that he has also heard the rumblings – previously relayed by Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report – that the Raptors have interest in Gobert.
Trade Idea
Bulls get Rudy and Bogdanovic
Jazz get LaVine and Vu
LaVine contract comparable to Klay Thompson
5-year $190 million contract
Rudy contract is 5-year $205 million
I can’t see a world were LaVine signs with Utah, because of the city and because of Donovan, i don’t see him jelling well with Mitchell.
Did you forget to attach picks to Chicago as well, or are you just throwing out half ass trade offers without the team who is giving up the better haul any assets? In order for that offer to work, Utah needs to send over atleast 2 first round unprotected picks. SMH
I love where others people’s favorite team think that trading their garbage for a 2 time all-star is always a fair deal.
@raz The trade wouldn’t works because the Jazz need to get better on defense. On top of that UTAH would be sending out a three time DPOY that’s under contract for LaVine who is an UFA. Chicago would be the ones to send over picks.
Highly doubtful but if LaVine wanted to go to Utah and the feeling was mutual the Jazz would find takers for Conley and Clarkson or trade Gobert for a much better offer then just sign LaVine outright.
It would be a sign and trade with Lavine obviously. You have to be out of your mind if you really believe the bulls would have to add picks. I can’t believe this is even a discussion!!!
lavine won’t be an UFA for him to be involved in the trade…
of course utah will have to add picks as the player agers are also on the bulls side
Why you so mad?
Yeah you’re a bit weird
You’re kidding…
Rudy Gay and Bojan okay? Jazz all over that deal
Jazz wouldn’t make that trade at all… The fact is LaVine is a UFA and the Jazz would have to have the Bulls do a sign and trade and the Jazz don’t need LaVine and LaVine wouldn’t want to go to a team with no coach.
The only way this works is if LaVine is traded to San Antonio or Portland and the Bulls land picks and a player they could ship to Utah and they would still have to move Vooch, so this isn’t something easy to do…
I don’t see UTH and LaVine as a FA match, from either end. More likely that UTH will be looking to move 1 or 2 of their big contracts, for future assets, with an eye toward a quick rebuild. I think Mitchell will only be moved if he asks for a trade. Which might beg the question, since the moves they do make could well determine if he does.
Bulls just need a rim protector. McGee or Whiteside can fill that roll, as backups. Even a guy like Claxton from Nets. Who’s also a FA. Bulls are fine imo. Stay healthy add a rim protector and a stretch 4. And they will be fine. Bulls pick at #18. They could luck out with Jovic being there. If not Jaylin Williams from Arkansa will definitely be there. Bulls need to worry more about LaVine and Lonzo finally stepping up.
Ball knee is the issue for him and LaVine is someone I wouldn’t sign and would shift DD back to SG and PW back to SF and look for a PF and C that can give you the defense you need…
So the Bulls are hesitant on maxing LaVine but are more than happy to take Rudy’s deal?? I don’t buy it
Bulls won’t be lacking for choice.
Been A Bulls fan all my life. I knew with this team we wouldn’t win the title and so we Mortgage the future by trading three first round picks. I would trade all are stars, Lavine,Vucevic,Ball, even Derozen who is amazing and just get multiple draft picks for all of them, start new and have a good young team in 2 years or so.
Paying a center not named Jokic or Embiid that kind of money is just stupid cap sheet management in todays NBA