Report: Bulls actively trying to trade pair of star players

Dec 6, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; A view of the Chicago Bulls logo on a pair of game shorts at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are still trying to effectively reset their rebuild by moving on from their two most prominent players, according to a report.

The Bulls are “actively” trying to trade guard Zach LaVine and center Nikola Vucevic, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Cowley adds that a significant motivator for the Bulls is being able to keep their first-round pick from moving to the San Antonio Spurs, as it is currently top 10 protected.

While much has been made of potential No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, the top of the 2025 draft is expected to be one of the more talented classes in recent memory, and the Bulls do not want to miss out. They risk losing the pick as a result of the ill-fated sign-and-trade acquisition of Demar DeRozan in 2021.

The Bulls have been trying to trade LaVine for some time, and they really seemed to step up their efforts during the offseason. It still led to nothing, as LaVine’s $43 million cap hit and injury history make him a relatively unappealing trade chip. Making matters worse is the fact that he still has two additional seasons after this one on his current contract, though the second year is a player option. Vucevic is less expensive and has one more year on his deal, though he did just turn 34.

The Bulls went 39-43 last season, and a similar record in 2024-25 would definitely put their pick at risk. Whether they succeed in dealing their two most high-profile players might depend on how high of an asking price they are setting.