NBA Trade Thread #12

[Hangtime84]

JJJ free agency is a possibility now.

[sco]

JJJ free agency is a possibility now.

I think the move was specifically to be able to keep JJJ and have some wiggle room to fill the roster.

The shame of the deal was the I was holding out hope ORL would be the ones saving us from a Coby re-up deal for 2 1sts.

[Infinity2152]

JJJ free agency is a possibility now.

I think the move was specifically to be able to keep JJJ and have some wiggle room to fill the roster.

They have less cap space after the trade, more draft picks and less talented players (no Bane). Seems less likely they commit more money to JJJ with less cap space to fit a worse roster. They just got way worse losing Bane. It would have been easier to extend JJJ before the trade, this looks like leaning into possible rebuild. Bane's not the type of player you trade away if you're focused on winning now.

JJJ's making $23.4 mill next year, he's going to double that in 2026. Double his pay while weakening the team for years at the same time? Some of those picks are 2028, 2029, 2030, going to take a lot to make up for losing Bane.

[WesPeace]

Bane is overrated player in my eyes and this trade is just mindboggling crazy bad for Magic?!?

[Infinity2152]

Bane is overrated player in my eyes and this trade is just mindboggling crazy bad for Magic?!?

Really like Bane, and think he's probably underrated. Two usable vets and 4 draft picks still seems a LOT. Knicks did the same thing. Which is why all these people saying we can't get one future or late first for Vucevic are just expressing their opinions with no connection to how teams are sending out picks now. Bane's going to be a GREAT fit on that team, they could look really good next year.

[drosestruts]

Vuc + Carter for Jerami Grant + ???


How much would Portland have to add to get you to eat Grant's salary?

[burlydee]

Vuc + Carter for Jerami Grant + ???


How much would Portland have to add to get you to eat Grant's salary?

Jeremiah Grant has one of the worse contracts in the NBA. No way current Bulls regime entertains that.

It would at least cost them this year's pick. And I'd want them to take back Pwill. Can't be paying PWill and Grant $50 million a year. I think he's a net negative player.

Pwill&Vuc+Portland pick for Grant and #11 pick.

I still don't think the Bulls would do it...

[sco]

Vuc + Carter for Jerami Grant + ???


How much would Portland have to add to get you to eat Grant's salary?

Don't see that happening. Don't think they are committed to a big move this offseason to improve. If there was a salary they might pay to dump it's Ayton.

[Dan Z]

Bane is overrated player in my eyes and this trade is just mindboggling crazy bad for Magic?!?

Really like Bane, and think he's probably underrated. Two usable vets and 4 draft picks still seems a LOT. Knicks did the same thing. Which is why all these people saying we can't get one future or late first for Vucevic are just expressing their opinions with no connection to how teams are sending out picks now. Bane's going to be a GREAT fit on that team, they could look really good next year.

You're using Desmond Band and Mikal Bridges value as a gauge for what Vucevic might get in a trade?

He's a 34 year old center (he turns 35 in October) who isn't good defensively (at a position where most teams value defense).

If AK was willing to take on additional salary for him, then maybe I'd agree, but it seems like AK doesn't want to do that.

[Infinity2152]

Bane is overrated player in my eyes and this trade is just mindboggling crazy bad for Magic?!?

Really like Bane, and think he's probably underrated. Two usable vets and 4 draft picks still seems a LOT. Knicks did the same thing. Which is why all these people saying we can't get one future or late first for Vucevic are just expressing their opinions with no connection to how teams are sending out picks now. Bane's going to be a GREAT fit on that team, they could look really good next year.

You're using Desmond Band and Mikal Bridges value as a gauge for what Vucevic might get in a trade?

He's a 34 year old center (he turns 35 in October) who isn't good defensively (at a position where most teams value defense).

If AK was willing to take on additional salary for him, then maybe I'd agree, but it seems like AK doesn't want to do that.

If you call comparing getting 4-5 picks to getting one pick the same thing, I guess. Point is future firsts don't mean nearly as much to some teams as others. Are you saying you would have given up 5 picks for Bridges or 4 picks plus players for Bane because they're such better players? Or do those teams not value picks much, compared to getting a boost now?

He's a 34 year old center who's good at shooting, which most centers are not and is elite at rebounding (at a position most teams value rebounding). There are guys who will be 40+ playing this year. And we don't need 10 teams to be willing to give up a first. We just need to find one. Anything is impossible until you try. He's expiring, very low risk for a team that wants to add some offensive punch.

On one hand AK is always accused of giving up too much in trades, at the same time being criticized for asking for too much in trades.

Moved Derozan in S&T: We had no rights to him, unrestricted free agent, got Duarte and a couple of seconds for basically nothing. Not enough, we could have got more if we traded him sooner.

Moved Zach Lavine and got Huerter and Collins, who have played well for us, and a first round pick. Consensus was we would get nothing for Zach. Not enough. We could have gotten more if we traded him sooner.

Know what Caruso was worth when we signed him? A $10 mill/yr contract. Flips that contract three years later, 29 yr old oft injured role player who averages about 22 mins for a 20pt triple double machine still on rookie contract. Not enough, we should have got a first too. We could have gotten more if we traded him sooner.

If he does trade Vucevic and doesn't get a first, it'll be not enough again. Heck, even if he does get the first, there will be some reason to say it's not enough. But somehow he keeps getting more for players than predicted.

We all have different opinions. I think if he looks long enough, and the right opportunity arises, we get that first. or he could rush and take whatever's immediately available.

[Dan Z]

Really like Bane, and think he's probably underrated. Two usable vets and 4 draft picks still seems a LOT. Knicks did the same thing. Which is why all these people saying we can't get one future or late first for Vucevic are just expressing their opinions with no connection to how teams are sending out picks now. Bane's going to be a GREAT fit on that team, they could look really good next year.

You're using Desmond Band and Mikal Bridges value as a gauge for what Vucevic might get in a trade?

He's a 34 year old center (he turns 35 in October) who isn't good defensively (at a position where most teams value defense).

If AK was willing to take on additional salary for him, then maybe I'd agree, but it seems like AK doesn't want to do that.

If you call comparing getting 4-5 picks to getting one pick the same thing, I guess. Point is future firsts don't mean nearly as much to some teams as others. Are you saying you would have given up 5 picks for Bridges or 4 picks plus players for Bane because they're such better players? Or do those teams not value picks much, compared to getting a boost now?

He's a 34 year old center who's good at shooting, which most centers are not and is elite at rebounding (at a position most teams value rebounding). There are guys who will be 40+ playing this year. And we don't need 10 teams to be willing to give up a first. We just need to find one. Anything is impossible until you try. He's expiring, very low risk for a team that wants to add some offensive punch.

Bridges and Bane are specific situations. The Knicks wanted Bridges to join is former college teammates and overpaid to make that happen. Orlando's biggest need this off season is shooting and they helped improve that with Bane.

Go down the list of NBA teams and tell me who could use Vucevic and which team would trade a first for him. The Teams that are rebuilding won't be interested and the teams who already have a good (or even decent) center wouldn't give up much (if anything) for him. Then there are the teams who already trade away most of their future picks and can't give one up for Vucevic.

I don't see one team that fits what you're looking for. Why would the Lakers or GSW give up a first for him? Those are the only two teams I could see having interest in him, but I bet they'll only offer minor stuff (if that).

[Chi town]

Bane is overrated player in my eyes and this trade is just mindboggling crazy bad for Magic?!?

Yep.

It’s the Gobert 2.0 Trade.

Massive Overpay.

[Infinity2152]

You're using Desmond Band and Mikal Bridges value as a gauge for what Vucevic might get in a trade?

He's a 34 year old center (he turns 35 in October) who isn't good defensively (at a position where most teams value defense).

If AK was willing to take on additional salary for him, then maybe I'd agree, but it seems like AK doesn't want to do that.

If you call comparing getting 4-5 picks to getting one pick the same thing, I guess. Point is future firsts don't mean nearly as much to some teams as others. Are you saying you would have given up 5 picks for Bridges or 4 picks plus players for Bane because they're such better players? Or do those teams not value picks much, compared to getting a boost now?

He's a 34 year old center who's good at shooting, which most centers are not and is elite at rebounding (at a position most teams value rebounding). There are guys who will be 40+ playing this year. And we don't need 10 teams to be willing to give up a first. We just need to find one. Anything is impossible until you try. He's expiring, very low risk for a team that wants to add some offensive punch.

Bridges and Bane are specific situations. The Knicks wanted Bridges to join is former college teammates and overpaid to make that happen. Orlando's biggest need this off season is shooting and they helped improve that with Bane.

Go down the list of NBA teams and tell me who could use Vucevic and which team would trade a first for him. The Teams that are rebuilding won't be interested and the teams who already have a good (or even decent) center wouldn't give up much (if anything) for him. Then there are the teams who already trade away most of their future picks and can't give one up for Vucevic.

I don't see one team that fits what you're looking for. Why would the Lakers or GSW give up a first for him? Those are the only two teams I could see having interest in him, but I bet they'll only offer minor stuff (if that).

Glad you mentioned GS and Lakers, because they immediately come to mind. So you see at least two teams. Regardless of how people think in here, Vucevic is pretty clearly an upgrade at their center position. Age won't matter, he's expiring, it's a one year contract. I listed earlier all the teams I think HAVE to make moves, GS and Lakers are among them. Well, everybody is not getting their first or second option at center. Very likely the two top FA centers re-sign with their own teams. Why would a future first be of more importance to the Lakers or Warriors than a player who can help them right now, given the age of their stars?

Some other teams he could be useful on (some his expiring contract as much as the player):

Celtics (Say part of a trade for Jrue Holiday or Derrick White)
Knicks (currently starting Mitchell Robinson, played 17 games last season)
Magic (He's better than Wendell Carter Jr)
Bucks (They may lose Brook Lopez)

Doesn't necessarily have to be exactly a first, but Vucevic is heavily undervalued I think. If all we're getting back is expirings, we should aim for a first. If we're getting back a talented player or something useful, that would count. People keep ragging in Vuc's defense. Okay, there are plenty of bad defenders in the NBA. Name one that puts up numbers like Vucevic and didn't get at least a first (or equivalent value) in trade. Bulls fans want to ignore Vucevic's numbers when it suits them, but stats are a primary indicator of value in the league. He's basically a 20/10 guy with good shooting.

[Dan Z]

If you call comparing getting 4-5 picks to getting one pick the same thing, I guess. Point is future firsts don't mean nearly as much to some teams as others. Are you saying you would have given up 5 picks for Bridges or 4 picks plus players for Bane because they're such better players? Or do those teams not value picks much, compared to getting a boost now?

He's a 34 year old center who's good at shooting, which most centers are not and is elite at rebounding (at a position most teams value rebounding). There are guys who will be 40+ playing this year. And we don't need 10 teams to be willing to give up a first. We just need to find one. Anything is impossible until you try. He's expiring, very low risk for a team that wants to add some offensive punch.

Bridges and Bane are specific situations. The Knicks wanted Bridges to join is former college teammates and overpaid to make that happen. Orlando's biggest need this off season is shooting and they helped improve that with Bane.

Go down the list of NBA teams and tell me who could use Vucevic and which team would trade a first for him. The Teams that are rebuilding won't be interested and the teams who already have a good (or even decent) center wouldn't give up much (if anything) for him. Then there are the teams who already trade away most of their future picks and can't give one up for Vucevic.

I don't see one team that fits what you're looking for. Why would the Lakers or GSW give up a first for him? Those are the only two teams I could see having interest in him, but I bet they'll only offer minor stuff (if that).

Glad you mentioned GS and Lakers, because they immediately come to mind. So you see at least two teams. Regardless of how people think in here, Vucevic is pretty clearly an upgrade at their center position. Age won't matter, he's expiring, it's a one year contract. I listed earlier all the teams I think HAVE to make moves, GS and Lakers are among them. Well, everybody is not getting their first or second option at center. Very likely the two top FA centers re-sign with their own teams. Why would a future first be of more importance to the Lakers or Warriors than a player who can help them right now, given the age of their stars?

Some other teams he could be useful on (some his expiring contract as much as the player):

Celtics (Say part of a trade for Jrue Holiday or Derrick White)
Knicks (currently starting Mitchell Robinson, played 17 games last season)

That's because at some point a team can't keep trading first round picks. If you do then you might end up in a bad situation such as Phoenix or Milwaukee.

GS and the Lakers also have to match Vucevic's salary. Who are they giving up? Are the Bulls taking on additional salary (such as Gabe Vincent, Vanderbilt or Maxi Kleber)? Is Golden State giving up Buddy Hield or Moses Moody? I think they like Hields shooting, but who knows.

The Knicks don't have first round picks to give up, so I'm not sure why you list them.

Boston could give up their 2027 or 2031 picks, but why do that? Tatum is injured and might not come back this season. Vucevic isn't going to improve them enough to make a difference.

[Infinity2152]

Bridges and Bane are specific situations. The Knicks wanted Bridges to join is former college teammates and overpaid to make that happen. Orlando's biggest need this off season is shooting and they helped improve that with Bane.

Go down the list of NBA teams and tell me who could use Vucevic and which team would trade a first for him. The Teams that are rebuilding won't be interested and the teams who already have a good (or even decent) center wouldn't give up much (if anything) for him. Then there are the teams who already trade away most of their future picks and can't give one up for Vucevic.

I don't see one team that fits what you're looking for. Why would the Lakers or GSW give up a first for him? Those are the only two teams I could see having interest in him, but I bet they'll only offer minor stuff (if that).

Glad you mentioned GS and Lakers, because they immediately come to mind. So you see at least two teams. Regardless of how people think in here, Vucevic is pretty clearly an upgrade at their center position. Age won't matter, he's expiring, it's a one year contract. I listed earlier all the teams I think HAVE to make moves, GS and Lakers are among them. Well, everybody is not getting their first or second option at center. Very likely the two top FA centers re-sign with their own teams. Why would a future first be of more importance to the Lakers or Warriors than a player who can help them right now, given the age of their stars?

Some other teams he could be useful on (some his expiring contract as much as the player):

Celtics (Say part of a trade for Jrue Holiday or Derrick White)
Knicks (currently starting Mitchell Robinson, played 17 games last season)

That's because at some point at team can't keep trading first round picks. If you do then you might end up in a bad situation such as Phoenix or Milwaukee.

GS and the Lakers also have to match Vucevic's salary. Who are they giving up? Are the Bulls taking on additional salary (such as Gabe Vincent, Vanderbilt or Maxi Kleber)? Is Golden State giving up Buddy Hield or Moses Moody? I think they like Hields shooting, but who knows.

The Knicks don't have first round picks to give up, so I'm not sure why you list them.

Boston could give up their 2027 or 2031 picks, but why do that? Tatum is injured and might not come back this season. Vucevic isn't going to improve them enough to make a difference.

Every year teams trade picks in questionable trades. It's not special, it's usual. How many picks did we give up for Derozan and Vucevic? How many picks went in Harden's trade? Lillard's trade? Durant trade? CP3 trade for Poole? Suns trade for Bradley Beal? You want 20 more? We got a first and three pretty good players dumping Lavine at twice the salary, great young defensive force there.

GS is connected thru Kuminga trade rumor for Vucevic. Like I said, first round pick or equivalent value. Kuminga counts in that category. Kuminga=expirings plus one future pick

Knicks would be similar. They could view having Vuc as an 80+ game starting center more useful than 30 yr old Josh Hart coming off the bench, locked up for 3 yrs on their cap. And teams pick up additional picks for trades all the time, Phoenix did it last year. Because they don't have picks now doesn't mean they can't acquire one. They have like 5 young players on rookie contracts, or send one of those players instead of a pick.

Boston needs to get off long term salary. Every dollar costs them double or triple. Taking Jrue Holiday's contract for Vuc saves them over $60 mill in 2026. Is $60 mill in real life money worth a future first?

We could do this with every team in the league. We haven't even included three ways, which many current trades will be. It's crazy to even talk about what teams won't do before we even reach the draft, and half the teams in the league we have no clue what direction they're going or how they value Vucevic.

[Dan Z]

Glad you mentioned GS and Lakers, because they immediately come to mind. So you see at least two teams. Regardless of how people think in here, Vucevic is pretty clearly an upgrade at their center position. Age won't matter, he's expiring, it's a one year contract. I listed earlier all the teams I think HAVE to make moves, GS and Lakers are among them. Well, everybody is not getting their first or second option at center. Very likely the two top FA centers re-sign with their own teams. Why would a future first be of more importance to the Lakers or Warriors than a player who can help them right now, given the age of their stars?

Some other teams he could be useful on (some his expiring contract as much as the player):

Celtics (Say part of a trade for Jrue Holiday or Derrick White)
Knicks (currently starting Mitchell Robinson, played 17 games last season)

That's because at some point at team can't keep trading first round picks. If you do then you might end up in a bad situation such as Phoenix or Milwaukee.

GS and the Lakers also have to match Vucevic's salary. Who are they giving up? Are the Bulls taking on additional salary (such as Gabe Vincent, Vanderbilt or Maxi Kleber)? Is Golden State giving up Buddy Hield or Moses Moody? I think they like Hields shooting, but who knows.

The Knicks don't have first round picks to give up, so I'm not sure why you list them.

Boston could give up their 2027 or 2031 picks, but why do that? Tatum is injured and might not come back this season. Vucevic isn't going to improve them enough to make a difference.

GS is connected thru Kuminga trade rumor for Vucevic. Like I said, first round pick or equivalent value. Kuminga counts in that category. Kuminga=expirings plus one future pick

Knicks would be similar. They could view having Vuc as an 80+ game starting center more useful than 30 yr old Josh Hart coming off the bench, locked up for 3 yrs on their cap. And teams pick up additional picks for trades all the time, Phoenix did it last year. Because they don't have picks now doesn't mean they can't acquire one. They have like 5 young players on rookie contracts, or send one of those players instead of a pick.

Boston needs to get off long term salary. Every dollar costs them double or triple. Taking Jrue Holiday's contract for Vuc saves them like $50-$60 mill in 2026. Is $60 mill in real life money worth a future first?

We could do this with every team in the league. We haven't even included three ways, which many current trades will be. It's crazy to even talk about what teams won't do before we even reach the draft, and half the teams in the league we have no clue what direction they're going or how they value Vucevic.

Now you're adding "equivalent" value. You didn't say that earlier and it's also debatable if Kuminga is a first round pick level of value. That's difficult to gauge because we have no idea what his next contract will be and what his value is around the league. As it stands right now it seems like Golden State doesn't value him very much, but also don't think he should just walk.

Josh Hart played well for the Knicks. Why give him up for an aging center who plays no defense? Robinson should be healthier this year and they also have KAT at the center position.

Maybe a three team deal happens that neither of us know about, but in that case do the Bulls take on additional salary? They'd most likely have to do that in the Boston scenario you mentioned.

I think reports have been that AK isn't willing to take on additional salary, but I could be wrong about that.

[Dez]

Bane is overrated player in my eyes and this trade is just mindboggling crazy bad for Magic?!?

Really like Bane, and think he's probably underrated. Two usable vets and 4 draft picks still seems a LOT. Knicks did the same thing. Which is why all these people saying we can't get one future or late first for Vucevic are just expressing their opinions with no connection to how teams are sending out picks now. Bane's going to be a GREAT fit on that team, they could look really good next year.

No as it's been repeated constantly it’s based on the reality that nobody wanted to trade a first round pick for him and went for other options when that was the asking price set.

[Infinity2152]

That's because at some point at team can't keep trading first round picks. If you do then you might end up in a bad situation such as Phoenix or Milwaukee.

GS and the Lakers also have to match Vucevic's salary. Who are they giving up? Are the Bulls taking on additional salary (such as Gabe Vincent, Vanderbilt or Maxi Kleber)? Is Golden State giving up Buddy Hield or Moses Moody? I think they like Hields shooting, but who knows.

The Knicks don't have first round picks to give up, so I'm not sure why you list them.

Boston could give up their 2027 or 2031 picks, but why do that? Tatum is injured and might not come back this season. Vucevic isn't going to improve them enough to make a difference.

GS is connected thru Kuminga trade rumor for Vucevic. Like I said, first round pick or equivalent value. Kuminga counts in that category. Kuminga=expirings plus one future pick

Knicks would be similar. They could view having Vuc as an 80+ game starting center more useful than 30 yr old Josh Hart coming off the bench, locked up for 3 yrs on their cap. And teams pick up additional picks for trades all the time, Phoenix did it last year. Because they don't have picks now doesn't mean they can't acquire one. They have like 5 young players on rookie contracts, or send one of those players instead of a pick.

Boston needs to get off long term salary. Every dollar costs them double or triple. Taking Jrue Holiday's contract for Vuc saves them like $50-$60 mill in 2026. Is $60 mill in real life money worth a future first?

We could do this with every team in the league. We haven't even included three ways, which many current trades will be. It's crazy to even talk about what teams won't do before we even reach the draft, and half the teams in the league we have no clue what direction they're going or how they value Vucevic.

Now you're adding "equivalent" value. You didn't say that earlier and it's also debatable if Kuminga is a first round pick level of value. That's difficult to gauge because we have no idea what his next contract will be and what his value is around the league. As it stands right now it seems like Golden State doesn't value him very much, but also don't think he should just walk.

Josh Hart played well for the Knicks. Why give him up for an aging center who plays no defense? Robinson should be healthier this year and they also have KAT at the center position.

Maybe a three team deal happens that neither of us know about, but in that case do the Bulls take on additional salary? They'd most likely have to do that in the Boston scenario you mentioned.

I think reports have been that AK isn't willing to take on additional salary, but I could be wrong about that.

If you go back, you'll see I added the equivalent value part before you responded. What exactly is a first round pick level of value? I think that's the whole question. We have a 17.5 mill trade exception that expires in July. AK typically keeps his cards close to his chest, we're all just guessing. He's spending money this summer with all these expirings, imo. When I see random future 1st, that's just a maybe good player we get to take a chance on in the future. Could end up Dalen Terry or worse. How much is pick #23 5 years from now worth to us? Or the Portland first we've had for years?

Value is highly important to me. There is no absolute value to a first round pick, the team, the year of the pick, the protections, PLUS how much that team values picks all weigh into it. In every deal, I'm trying to get the most that I can get. Worked years selling real estate and doing appraisals and let me tell, there's a huge difference between sale price and appraised value in a lot of situations. What you appraise as Vucevic's value only plays part of what his final sale price will be.

GS and the Lakers are the easy answers, but like I said, it could be the Bucks if they lose Lopez or some team we're not even thinking about. If I'm Vucevic's agent, no way we took less than $20 mill/yr on his last contract, f**k what Bulls fans think. If I can't find a team in the league to get me $20 mill for my guy putting up 19/10, I'm not good at my job. People here are really jaded with his defense, which is exaggerated, no center has rated high defensively in Donovan's defense. I'd be damned if I couldn't convince a team to give me a first for Vucevic shooting 40% from three.

I'm AK, there's no way I don't find that first or value I feel is equivalent for Vucevic. He'd be here till the deadline at least before I took less. He's expiring, would prefer to hold out/look for the best deal, rather than the first deal. Worse that can happen is he plays the year out and we gain $20 mill in cap space.

[Dan Z]

GS is connected thru Kuminga trade rumor for Vucevic. Like I said, first round pick or equivalent value. Kuminga counts in that category. Kuminga=expirings plus one future pick

Knicks would be similar. They could view having Vuc as an 80+ game starting center more useful than 30 yr old Josh Hart coming off the bench, locked up for 3 yrs on their cap. And teams pick up additional picks for trades all the time, Phoenix did it last year. Because they don't have picks now doesn't mean they can't acquire one. They have like 5 young players on rookie contracts, or send one of those players instead of a pick.

Boston needs to get off long term salary. Every dollar costs them double or triple. Taking Jrue Holiday's contract for Vuc saves them like $50-$60 mill in 2026. Is $60 mill in real life money worth a future first?

We could do this with every team in the league. We haven't even included three ways, which many current trades will be. It's crazy to even talk about what teams won't do before we even reach the draft, and half the teams in the league we have no clue what direction they're going or how they value Vucevic.

Now you're adding "equivalent" value. You didn't say that earlier and it's also debatable if Kuminga is a first round pick level of value. That's difficult to gauge because we have no idea what his next contract will be and what his value is around the league. As it stands right now it seems like Golden State doesn't value him very much, but also don't think he should just walk.

Josh Hart played well for the Knicks. Why give him up for an aging center who plays no defense? Robinson should be healthier this year and they also have KAT at the center position.

Maybe a three team deal happens that neither of us know about, but in that case do the Bulls take on additional salary? They'd most likely have to do that in the Boston scenario you mentioned.

I think reports have been that AK isn't willing to take on additional salary, but I could be wrong about that.

If you go back, you'll see I added the equivalent value part before you responded. What exactly is a first round pick level of value? I think that's the whole question. We have a 17.5 mill trade exception that expires in July. AK typically keeps his cards close to his chest, we're all just guessing. He's spending money this summer with all these expirings, imo.

Value is highly important to me. There is no absolute value to a first round pick, the team, the year of the pick, the protections, PLUS how much that team values picks all weigh into it. In every deal, I'm trying to get the most that I can get. Worked years selling real estate and doing appraisals and let me tell, there's a huge difference between sale price and appraised value in a lot of situations. What you appraise as Vucevics value only plays part of what his final sale price will be.

GS and the Lakers are the easy answers, but like I said, it could be the Bucks if they lose Lopez or some team we're not even thinking about. If I'm Vucevic's agent, no way we took less than $20 mill/yr on his last contract, f**k what Bulls fans think. If I can't find a team in the league to get me $20 mill for my guy putting up 19/10, I'm not good at my job. People here are really jaded with his defense, which is exaggerated, no center has rated high defensively in Donovan's defense. I'd be damned if I couldn't convince a team to give me a first for Vucevic shooting 40% from three.

I'm AK, there's no way I don't find that first or value I feel is equivalent for Vucevic. He'd be here till the deadline at least before I took less.

As Dez points out they tried to get a first, but that didn't happen.

Vucevic is a career .348 three point shooter. Why would a team think that he'll continue to shoot .400 from three? He's done that twice in his 14 year career and in both situations he regressed the next season.

A first round pick's value depends on the team trading it (are they good? bad?), the protections on it, and the year it's conveys. Maybe a team gives up a late first if it means the Bulls take on salary, but like I said it doesn't sound like AK is willing to do that.

Why would a team like Miwaukee give up it's 2031 first round pick for Vucevic? It's one of the few assets that they have and they give it up for a soon to be 35 year old center who isn't good at defense...? Giannis, Vucevic, and Kuzma will go how far next year (Lillard is hurt)? Then in a year Vucevic is up for a contract and will be 36. That seems like a bad plan to me.

[Infinity2152]

Now you're adding "equivalent" value. You didn't say that earlier and it's also debatable if Kuminga is a first round pick level of value. That's difficult to gauge because we have no idea what his next contract will be and what his value is around the league. As it stands right now it seems like Golden State doesn't value him very much, but also don't think he should just walk.

Josh Hart played well for the Knicks. Why give him up for an aging center who plays no defense? Robinson should be healthier this year and they also have KAT at the center position.

Maybe a three team deal happens that neither of us know about, but in that case do the Bulls take on additional salary? They'd most likely have to do that in the Boston scenario you mentioned.

I think reports have been that AK isn't willing to take on additional salary, but I could be wrong about that.

If you go back, you'll see I added the equivalent value part before you responded. What exactly is a first round pick level of value? I think that's the whole question. We have a 17.5 mill trade exception that expires in July. AK typically keeps his cards close to his chest, we're all just guessing. He's spending money this summer with all these expirings, imo.

Value is highly important to me. There is no absolute value to a first round pick, the team, the year of the pick, the protections, PLUS how much that team values picks all weigh into it. In every deal, I'm trying to get the most that I can get. Worked years selling real estate and doing appraisals and let me tell, there's a huge difference between sale price and appraised value in a lot of situations. What you appraise as Vucevics value only plays part of what his final sale price will be.

GS and the Lakers are the easy answers, but like I said, it could be the Bucks if they lose Lopez or some team we're not even thinking about. If I'm Vucevic's agent, no way we took less than $20 mill/yr on his last contract, f**k what Bulls fans think. If I can't find a team in the league to get me $20 mill for my guy putting up 19/10, I'm not good at my job. People here are really jaded with his defense, which is exaggerated, no center has rated high defensively in Donovan's defense. I'd be damned if I couldn't convince a team to give me a first for Vucevic shooting 40% from three.

I'm AK, there's no way I don't find that first or value I feel is equivalent for Vucevic. He'd be here till the deadline at least before I took less.

As Dez points out they tried to get a first, but that didn't happen.

Vucevic is a career .348 three point shooter. Why would a team think that he'll continue to shoot .400 from three? He's done that twice in his 14 year career and in both situations he regressed the next season.

A first round pick's value depends on the team trading it (are they good? bad?), the protections on it, and the year it's conveys. Maybe a team gives up a late first if it means the Bulls take on salary, but like I said it doesn't sound like AK is willing to do that.

Why would a team like Miwaukee give up it's 2031 first round pick for Vucevic? It's one of the few assets that they have and they give it up for a soon to be 35 year old center who isn't good at defense...? Giannis, Vucevic, and Kuzma will go how far next year (Lillard is hurt)? Then in a year Vucevic is up for a contract and will be 36. That seems like a bad plan to me.

Honestly, do you think even half the NBA has a solid plan on what they're doing right now? The Bucks were just dealing with Giannis trade rumors, for instance. He says he wants to stay, they need to upgrade fast with little resources. How would I or you or anybody know how much they value a 2031 draft picks? Personally, it's almost valueless as an asset. Again, I'm not even going to try to project teams needs before the draft and before free agency starts. Orlando upgraded their starting SG today and Grizzlies severely downgraded. Their plans may have changed. Don't care who he goes to, we could guess, but we'd probably be wrong. We should still try to get as much as we can.

I'll say it again. Pull any center ranking for the 2024-2025 season and see where Vucevic sits. All the teams below that number he's effectively an upgrade, according to whichever ranking you'll pull. Some of those teams above him will lose their starting center. If you can find a ranking where he's lower than 30 (30 teams in the league), ANY ranking outside Bulls fan posts, I'll concede nobody would want him as an upgrade.

Here's a few:

https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-ranking-top-30-centers-2024-25-season/

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/ranking-nba-centers-2025

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/ranking-best-nba-centers-2024-25-starters/ca6459cc663d985674979a25

https://fadeawayworld.net/nba/10-best-nba-centers-based-on-what-we-have-seen-so-far

Bulls fans are extremely biased (natural, it's personal )

Then we can argue why no team in the NBA would give up a first for $20 mill expiring, that's additional benefit outside the player himself.

Oh, and if I'm the Bucks, Kuzma has to go regardless. Horrible add, plays the same position as Giannis. If Lopez leaves, they have to replace him. Period. They CANNOT show Giannis nothing. Adding Vucevic they still have Connaughton, Portis, Kevin Porter and can use their exceptions. They're only going so far with Dame out the whole season at $54 mill anyway, but it could be something to show Giannis.

If it's a trade with the Bucks, Kuzma is the most likely piece coming anyway. They lose Brook Lopez, Vucevic is way more useful than Kuzma, $2 mill cheaper and expiring, vs Kuzma has the extra year. They don't have money to add anyone if Lopez leaves. They're going to tank with Giannis? Dame and Giannis make $108 mill net year, and Dame aint playing. They have few options. An extra $20 mill in cap space in 2026 would help a lot to fill out that roster.