NBA Notes: Cavs, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Bulls, Nikola Vucevic, Bucks

Cavaliers

Nae’Qwan Tomlin is trending toward a standard NBA contract. Just not yet.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reports the Cavs like Tomlin, the locker room likes him, and the front office is on board. But Cleveland is in no rush. Cap flexibility matters, and timing matters more.

Tomlin has appeared in 41 games on his two-way deal, leaving nine before he hits the 50-game limit. The Cavs only have seven games before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, so the plan appears simple — stay patient, keep options open, and avoid boxing themselves in before trade season wraps.

This feels less like hesitation and more like discipline.

Bulls

Nikola Vucevic is staying put. For now.

Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports Chicago is unlikely to move the veteran center at the deadline. The expectation around the league is that Vucevic becomes a sought-after free agent in the offseason, especially if he’s open to sliding into a more complementary role after years as a full-time starter.

Bucks

Milwaukee does not have many trade chips. But it does have financial breathing room.

The Bucks sit comfortably below the tax and well under the first apron. Eric Nehm of The Athletic floated several potential scenarios, including deals involving Kyle Kuzma, Gary Harris, Amir Coffey, and even a larger swing centered on Bobby Portis in a theoretical pursuit of Zach LaVine.

No promises. Just smoke. But Milwaukee is one of the teams to watch as the deadline nears.