The Golden State Warriors have sent mixed signals to the NBA over the last few weeks. While players and coaches say the team will be making moves that serve the franchise in the long term, franchise star Stephen Curry is also upset about being on a mediocre franchise. They have to make improvements without sacrificing the future.
In a bid to do this, the team has made inquiries for 33-year-old Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. The Athletic is reporting that the Warriors have been quoted a ‘steep’ asking price for the center.
“The Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic is the stretch center most often floated externally and internally. They’ve discussed him and the dynamics at play, including his $21.4 million contract for next season that could theoretically be rerouted in the summer, if necessary. Vucevic will be in Chase Center on Thursday night with the Bulls in town.”
“Chicago has been willing to discuss Vucevic, but the price tag has so far been deemed too steep, league sources said, which is typically the case until the deadline is within about 72 hours.”
Vucevic is averaging 20.1 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 41.2% from three on 4.6 attempts per game. He has become a legitimate stretch-five who is still a very capable post-player on both ends of the court. The Warriors have had a major hole at center this season, especially when it comes to spacing the floor.
Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis aren’t shooting fives, with no other solution on the bench outside rookie Quentin Post. Post has been getting major reputational burn over recent games due to being a unique offensive option that the Warriors don’t have on their roster.
A realistic price for Vucevic is multiple second-round picks alongside matching contracts, but his incredible form this season will lead to the Bulls wanting a better return. There’s little incentive to move him immediately, so if the price falls, it’ll likely be a day or on the day of the trade deadline.
We know teams like the Los Angeles Lakers are also keeping tabs on Vucevic, so it won’t be an uncontested race for Golden State. Even a team like the Memphis Grizzlies could get involved, and the presence of so many teams could artificially increase Vucevic’s value.
Given how cautious the Warriors have been in trade discussions recently, they likely won’t rise to the Bulls’ price even if a rival is close to snapping him up. This is even though an addition like Vucevic on its own could be enough to raise their level to at least secure a Playoff spot.
He fills a major hole in the middle while easing some of the greater offensive responsibilities Draymond Green has had to carry with the lack of any real co-star for Stephen Curry. Vucevic might not be a superstar but he is a highly productive big man who would add a dimension to the Warriors they need to be successful in the West and one they haven’t had in many years.
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