Would that really be all it takes to trade for Nikola Vucevic?

Of course, doing that might still prove difficult for Zach LaVine. The two-time All-Star is still tied to a massive contract that will see him earn nearly $95.0 million over the next two seasons. In the age of this new CBA, it’s not easy to commit to that money, especially for prospects who already have superstar-level talent on the roster. The Bulls are certainly hoping LaVine’s strong start to the year helps some teams forget their financial woes.

Nikola Vucevic, on the other hand, has a much cheaper contract. He is in the second year of a three-year, $60.0 million contract, and an argument could be made that he is currently exceeding his AAV of $20.0 million. Vucevic looks like his Orlando Magic self, averaging 20.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. What’s even more encouraging is that he’s shooting a career-best 57.7 percent from the field and a career-best 44.9 percent from distance!

Concerns about his downtown jumper have been put on hold, and his offensive versatility should be an attractive asset to several playoff teams. This is especially true if the Bulls’ price for Vucevic remains as low as Fischer recently reported.

“Nikola Vucevic’s salary of $20 million and an upcoming third and final season of $21.5 million in the 2025-26 season is far more bearable for teams. “One GM told me he would put the two-time All-Star’s likely price point at two second-round picks in a trade,” Fischer wrote this week.

Enough for Nikola Vucevic?

I hope this is just wishful thinking from a GM! While I won’t argue that Nikola Vucevic is worth a huge package, two second-round picks would feel like an insult.

We’re talking about someone who has the fourth-most double-doubles in the NBA. Vucevic is one of the most consistent and consistent bigs in the league. Few players at his position can offer the same type of rebounding, floor spacing and passing. Does he have his faults? Naturally. They need a strong defensive back to cover up his limitations as a rim protector. But Vucevic is a talented scorer and a constant interior presence in the midst of a career year. Are you telling me this isn’t worth more than two second-rounders?

I understand that the deal runs for another year. I also understand that we have seen some ups and downs for Vucevic over the last two seasons. However, the Bulls would sell a lot of him at the moment. If Andre Drummond can reportedly hit multiple seconds at last year’s deadline, Vucevic’s price should be significantly better. I’m thinking more of a protected first-round pick and/or a reasonably intriguing player.

Am I too optimistic? Perhaps. The extra year on the deal could really hurt the Bulls in negotiations. But on-court performance should be most talked about, and Vucevic was significantly better than two seconds.

I take some comfort in knowing that this is supposedly the only thing one GM told Fischer. In other words, it’s not necessarily what the Bulls are demanding or what the entire league believes. Only time will tell whether this will be the true starting point for negotiations.