The Chicago Bulls are a team looking to add size to their otherwise smallish roster this offseason. Moreover, some rivals believe the Bulls could be a trade destination for Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis, though they have yet to enter the fray.
Porzingis turns 30 in August.
A key to their title run in 2023-24, he could be part of the Celtics’ blood-letting this offseason. They must get their finances in order amid the expected absence of Jayson Tatum in 2025-26.
“Another team that is increasingly mentioned in connection with various big men: Chicago,” The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer wrote on June 24. “The Bulls are not currently chasing Porziņģis, league sources say, although some rival teams have been openly wondering if they might. Chicago is known, at the very least, to be evaluating the overall state of its center rotation.”
The 7-foot-2 Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks while shooting a career-high 41.2% from beyond the arc during the 2024-25 regular season.
He posted a 7.7-4.6-0.7 line during the postseason, though he admitted he dealt with an illness during the series. Still, it is just one potential red flag for the Bulls if they were to show any interest in a trade for Porzingis.
Bulls Trade Rumors: Kristaps Porzingis vs Nikola Vucevic
GettyKristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics steps to the basket against Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls.
Porzingis is entering the final year of his two-year, $60 million contract. That potentially casts doubt on the Bulls eyeing a trade for Porzingis.
Fischer noted the Bulls’ evaluation in the context of “Nikola Vučević, after a strong season, having been pursued as a trade target since last February’s in-season trade deadline and now, at 34, entering the final season of his contract at $21.5 million.”
Porzingis is young and a better defender than Vucevic.
However, he is a worse rebounder and has durability concerns. Porzingis has made at least 60 appearances three times in his career and once since 2016-17, which was in 2022-23.
Vucevic has made at least 73 appearances in all four of his full seasons with the Bulls. He ranks fourth in double-doubles since 2021-22, per Stathead. That was his first full season with the Bulls, who acquired him in a polarizing trade with the Orlando Magic at the 2021 deadline.
Bulls Eyeing ‘Size’ This Offseason
GettyJalen Smith #7 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Boston Celtics.
Fischer also reported that the Bulls were “angling” for a trade up in the 2025 draft. That could position them to draft Duke’s Khaman Maluach or, and perhaps, more likely, Joan Beringer.
The Bulls currently own the No. 12 overall pick.
Maluach has received projections in the top 10. Beringer may not require a move up at all. His projections range anywhere from the very back of the lottery (roughly where the Bulls are picking) and near the 20s.
The Bulls are not in desperate need of a big. They could keep Vucevic into next season and trade him before the 2026 deadline. Zach Collins is under contract for another year, too.
They also have Jalen Smith under team control for the next two seasons.
Whether the Bulls make a trade for Porzingis, a move up to draft Maluach, taking Beringer 12th, or some other move, it is becoming increasingly apparent that they will add to their frontcourt, and specifically at the pivot position, this offseason.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bulls Viewed as Potential Trade Destination for $60 Million Champion appeared first on Heavy Sports.