The Bulls season ended with a thud after the 109-90 loss to the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament, officially out of the playoffs. While the blame for this season doesn’t fall all on Nikola Vučević’s shoulders, his performance in crunch time showed just how much of a liability he’s become. With an expiring contract and declining production, it’s clear he needs to be moved – and fast.
Let’s get into why trading Vučević is not only necessary but also possible and who the trade partners could be.
Why Vučević Needs to Go?
Wednesday night against the Heat was the perfect example of everything that’s wrong with Vučević. On paper his line – 16 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks – looks fine. But if you watched the game you know better. Vučević’s defense was a sieve, allowing Heat players to walk into the paint like they had an open invitation. His lack of effort resulted in countless easy baskets and a team worst -18 for the night.
Vučević can still post empty double doubles, but his inability to defend or elevate those around him has made him expendable. At 34 he’s no longer part of the long term solution for a team that’s lost direction. The Bulls need to pivot now, and moving Vučević could be the start of that.
The Perfect Trade Partner: Atlanta Hawks
If there’s one team that fits as a logical landing spot for Vučević, it’s the Atlanta Hawks. Stuck in mediocrity themselves, the Hawks are in dire need of frontcourt help and leadership. Meanwhile, the Bulls have been searching for athleticism and defensive versatility at the center position—a role perfectly suited for Onyeka Okongwu.
Here’s the proposed deal:
Bulls Receive:
- Onyeka Okongwu
- Georges Niang
- Mouhamed Gueye
- Vit Krejčí
Hawks Receive:
- Nikola Vučević
- Jevon Carter
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
- 2027 Second-Round Pick
This package checks all the boxes for both teams under NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rules. It’s clean, straightforward, and mutually beneficial.
Why This Deal Works for the Bulls?
First of all, Onyeka Okongwu is the kind of player the Bulls have been missing since… well, ever. At 24, he brings athleticism, defensive versatility and upside. Unlike Vučević, he can switch onto guards, protect the rim, and finish above the rim—skills that are crucial in today’s NBA. He averaged 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and almost a block a game last season, so he’s ready to take on more.
Adding Georges Niang gives the Bulls a stretch four off the bench, which they haven’t had since Nikola Mirotic. And while Mouhamed Gueye is raw, his size, mobility, and shooting touch make him a project worth investing in. Vit Krejčí is just a salary filler—but at least he’s cuttable filler.
Most importantly, this deal brings youth and upside to a roster that needs it. If the Bulls want to build towards the future, swapping an old veteran for younger assets is the right move.
Why the Hawks Might Say Yes?
For the Hawks, this fixes a few issues. First Vučević brings scoring and floor spacing at the 5 which Clint Capela doesn’t. He averages 15-18 points a game and can take some of the load off Trae Young and set solid screens for shooters.
Jevon Carter adds depth to the backcourt and veteran leadership. The two 2nd round picks are the cherry on top and give the Hawks flexibility down the line.
From Atlanta’s perspective, they get to reset without fully tanking. They get rid of Okongwu’s impending payday (he’s due for a big extension soon) and get a proven vet in Vučević to mentor their young core.
Not a Home Run, But a Step Forward
Let’s be real: trading Vučević won’t get the Bulls a superstar. That train left the station a long time ago. But getting Okongwu is real developmental value. He’s young, athletic and versatile – exactly what the Bulls need to rebuild through youth and athleticism.
And this gives Bulls fans something to look forward to. Instead of running the same “run it back” narrative the organization has been running for years, management would finally be signaling real change.