The Chicago Bulls have had a relatively quiet summer while navigating contract talks with restricted free agent Josh Giddey.
The Bulls did, however, trade Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro and reportedly remain open to making another move before the trade deadline in the 2025-26 campaign. With the roster looking much different than it did in the early 2020s, the rebuilding Bulls are expected to keep tinkering.
Two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic has been the subject of trade speculation for some time. However, his lucrative contract has deterred potential suitors in the past. Still, an Eastern Conference foe seeking out frontcourt depth could make a move.
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Bulls swap Nikola Vucevic for Anfernee Simons in proposed trade
Josh Canu of NBC Sports Boston recently presented a trade pitch that would land the Bulls Anfernee Simons and his expiring contract in exchange for Vucevic.
Boston has made it a top priority to shed salary this offseason, and swapping Simons for Vucevic would save the team nearly $6.2 million. The veteran big man has just one year remaining on his contract, so the Celtics wouldn't be locked into a long-term financial commitment.
Simons also has just one year left on his contract, but the Bulls would acquire a young, high-scoring guard they could evaluate ahead of free agency next summer. Simons averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds across 32.7 minutes per game in 70 regular-season outings for the Portland Trail Blazers last season.
Given the ongoing trade rumors and Boston's current frontcourt depth, a Simons-for-Vucevic trade wouldn't be surprising before the trade deadline.
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