Bulls big man boosts trade value with impressive stat line

Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic had an impressive triple-double in the loss to the Pistons, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists.

According to insider K.C. Johnson, Vucevic is the first Bulls center in franchise history to post a triple-double and make at least four 3-pointers, and he's the first Bulls player to do so since Jimmy Butler.

Vucevic has had an impressive season outside of this latest loss, averaging 19.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists, and he is also averaging almost a block a game in 32.2 minutes. Vucevic has also proven to be an efficient scorer, posting a 54.7% field goal percentage and a 39.4% mark from three. 

Looking at Vucevic’s splits, he is virtually the same player at home as he is on the road, scoring 20.8 points at home and 18.9 points on the road. Vucevic is a better three-point shooter on the road than at home, shooting 41% compared to 37.9%. 

This latest stat line boosts Vucevic’s trade chances

This latest stat line from the Bulls big man does wonders for his trade value. Putting up his sixth triple-double in his career shows teams that he is an effective scorer, and paired with his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, any team would be getting a valuable player. 

Vucevic is on a team-friendly deal, owed $20M this season and $21,481,481 for next season. Vucevic’s contract is affordable for any team, and the Bulls should get a decent haul back if they’re to move Vucevic. 

Trade deadline fast approaching 

The trade deadline is Feb. 6, and the Bulls have already been active ahead of it, reportedly shipping Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that saw them bring in Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, Tre Jones and their own 2025 first-round pick, returned from the San Antonio Spurs.

We shall see on Thursday what the Bulls end up doing with Vucevic and if he will be traded or remain on the roster for the rest of the season.