Bulls could finally move $21.5 million center in trade

Billy Heyen

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Bulls could finally move $21.5 million center in trade image

Hey look, the Chicago Bulls are chasing a spot in the Eastern Conference's play-in tournament.

What's new?

This time around, there is something different, though. The Bulls have eight players on expiring contracts.

This is a roster that could, finally, look very different next season.

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It could also look different by the trade deadline, if the Bulls want to be active. They could get assets back for players who they wouldn't necessarily seek to retain when the offseason arrives.

Nikola Vucevic headlines that list, and he's listed as a trade candidate by ESPN.

"The 35-year-old Vucevic is the most accomplished of that group (of expiring contracts)," writes ESPN's Bobby Marks. "Vucevic has averaged at least 16 points and nine rebounds per game in six straight seasons and has played at least 70 games in five consecutive campaigns. His $21.5 million salary this season ranks 14th among starting centers."

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Vucevic's salary means he wouldn't fit every contender's roster. But there are teams who were considering trading for Anthony Davis to fill a frontcourt role, and now that AD is hurt, they may pivot elsewhere to look for a veteran interior presence.

If the Bulls decide to shop Vucevic, he's a logical target as a very safe acquisition. You know what you're getting with the former Orlando Magic star.

Or the Bulls can just play out the string, as usual, and see what they can do in the play-in, again.

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Staff Writer