NBA Rumors: Nikola Vucevic, Bulls, Malcolm Brogdon, Marcus Smart

The NBA trade market appears quiet for Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, and at this point, a midseason buyout may be more likely than a deal.

That’s according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, who said in a recent YouTube appearance that league interest in Vucevic has been minimal for quite some time.

“I think at this juncture, we’re probably more likely to see a Nikola Vucevic buyout mid-season than we are to see a trade,” Fischer said. “Depending on how the market unfolds, depending on how injuries develop. There just really hasn’t been much of a Nikola Vucevic trade market in a while.”

Latest on Brogdon

As for Malcolm Brogdon, the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to be viewed as a logical landing spot. Minnesota has expressed interest in the veteran guard, per Fischer.

While the Wolves are expected to prioritize minutes for Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., the need for a steady veteran behind Mike Conley remains. Conley will turn 38 in October.

“I think Minnesota still stands as a really good situation for Malcolm Brogdon and one that he’s been monitoring, one that the Wolves have checked in on,” Fischer said. “I’m not making a prediction, but I think that’s a good situation for Malcolm Brogdon.”

Smart Move

Before Marcus Smart agreed to a buyout with the Wizards and ultimately signed with the Lakers, Washington had explored a number of trade possibilities.

Per Fischer, the Bucks, Hawks, and Heat were among the teams that held discussions with the Wizards about the former Defensive Player of the Year. At one point, Washington and Miami discussed a framework that would have included Terry Rozier.