The Chicago Bulls are heading into the 2025–26 season determined to snap their three-year playoff drought. But while they’ve retooled with young talent, a new trade idea suggests the Bulls could make another major move — this time involving Nikola Vucevic.
Nathaniel Holloway of Athlon Sports recently floated the idea of the Indiana Pacers exploring a deal for Vucevic, who’s entering the final year of his contract. The hypothetical trade would send the veteran center to Indiana in exchange for Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker — a combined $85 million in player value between their current and future deals.
At face value, it’s an intriguing concept. But with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined indefinitely after his Achilles injury, the Pacers’ short-term outlook looks very different — and that changes how realistic this trade really is.
The Mock Trade
Pacers receive: Nikola Vucevic, draft compensation
Bulls receive: Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker
The deal would give Chicago two athletic forwards who fit their ongoing youth movement. For Indiana, it would provide an experienced big man to fill the void left by Myles Turner, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency.
On paper, the framework balances experience and upside. But when you dig deeper, it starts to feel like a mismatch of priorities.
Why It Doesn’t Add Up for Indiana
Under normal circumstances, Vucevic could help stabilize Indiana’s frontcourt and bring veteran scoring to a playoff team. But this version of the Pacers isn’t likely to be contending in 2025–26. With Haliburton recovering from a torn Achilles and expected to miss most — if not all — of the season, Indiana’s ceiling has dropped considerably.
Trading two rotation forwards for a 33-year-old center on an expiring deal doesn’t align with their long-term goals.
In fact, Obi Toppin has been a valuable contributor since arriving in Indiana, playing a key role during last year’s Finals run while averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 36.5% from three. Jarace Walker, meanwhile, is only 22 and still developing. Both players fit the Pacers’ timeline — Vucevic does not.
Unless the front office plans to retool on the fly and extend Vucevic, there’s little logic in surrendering two young forwards for a rental.
Why It Works for the Bulls
From the Bulls’ perspective, this kind of move tracks. Chicago has been quietly exploring ways to move on from Vucevic for a while. While he’s still productive — averaging 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds last season — his fit alongside Josh Giddey, Coby White, and rookie Matas Buzelis has never been ideal.
Getting two rotation-ready forwards with athleticism and floor spacing would give the Bulls flexibility and youth, something they’ve lacked in recent years.
That said, Chicago might prefer to wait. As the season unfolds, a contender could easily become desperate for frontcourt depth and be willing to offer a better package for Vucevic’s expiring contract.
The Bulls’ Bottom Line
Ultimately, this mock trade feels like a deal that benefits Chicago more than Indiana.
The Pacers have little incentive to make a short-term move while Haliburton recovers, and Toppin’s emergence as a steady contributor makes him tough to move. For the Bulls, though, it’s another reminder that Vucevic’s trade value may soon peak — and that a playoff-hungry team could come calling before the deadline.
If that happens, Chicago will be ready.
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