NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls reportedly considering blowing up their roster

Washington Wizards v Chicago Bulls — Chicago Bulls All-Star shooting guard Zach LaVine

Amid their 11-18 start to the season that has them sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly considering a full-on rebuild.

A recent report from Brett Siegel of Fastbreak addressed some of the reasons why the Bulls may finally be ready to blow up their roster. Most notable was that the East is too deep and talented for Chicago to truly contend, even with some potential roster additions.

“This is the most competitive we have seen in the East in a long time and Chicago just doesn’t have enough to compete with some of these new teams rising up in the conference, not to mention those at the top right now,” a source told Siegel.

“I’ll say this, those so-called ‘rumors’ out there talking about the Bulls potentially tearing everything apart. There is movement to these talks and the Bulls are actively evaluating themselves and all of their options both to add and move talent ahead of the deadline,” the source continued.

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The Chicago Bulls’ season may not be going according to plan. However, they still have three star-level veterans that have already garnered trade interest around the league. Those three include wings DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and big man Nikola Vucevic.

Chicago also has some key role players, such as guards Alex Caruso and Coby White, that could be attractive trade options for playoff contenders. Caruso, in particular, has already proven his value as a hustle player and defender on a championship team with the LA Lakers in 2020.

So, all things considered, it looks like there could be a fire sale in Chicago if things don’t turn around soon for the Bulls.

For Brett Siegel's full report, click here.

Contract situations of Chicago Bulls stars

In terms of the tradability of Chicago’s stars, Nikola Vucevic's expiring contract will likely make him the easiest option for opposing teams to acquire. The 32-year-old is in the final year of his deal, making $22 million this season. He will then enter into unrestricted free agency next summer.

Any contender looking to go all-in on a title run this season could decide to acquire Vucevic as a rental. If things work out, the team can sign him long-term. If not, then they have no long-term financial obligations to him. Meanwhile, Chicago could get back some assets for Vucevic to avoid losing him for nothing.

Vucevic is averaging 16.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 blocks and 1.6 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 50.5% and 36.7% from three. Considered to be a bit of a defensive liability, Vucevic can still provide teams with frontcourt spacing while being a nightly double-double threat.

As for DeMar DeRozan, he is under contract this season and next season with a guaranteed $55.9 million owed on his contract. However, the 33-year-old is still scoring at an elite level this season. So like Vucevic, DeRozan likely won’t be too risky of a trade target for most teams.

DeRozan is averaging 25.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 0.8 steals per game on 50.4% shooting. Even with his lack of 3-point shooting ability, DeRozan remains one of the top-scoring wings in the league.

Zach LaVine, on the other hand, represents a long-term financial commitment to whichever team potentially acquires him. LaVine just recently signed a massive five-year, $215 million contract extension with Chicago. As a result, the 27-year-old now has $166.2 million in guaranteed salary with a $49 million player option for the 2026-2027 season.

Thus, whichever team potentially trades for LaVine will likely make sure they are in a position to contend for the foreseeable future before doing so.

LaVine is averaging 21.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.8 3-pointers per game while shooting 44.3% and 36.5% from three. He is having a bit of a down year by his standards. But in the right situation, LaVine should still be able to be a secondary scoring option on a contender.