One NBA writer suggested that the Memphis Grizzlies acquire Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls this summer.
Andy Bailey from Bleacher Report presented the following trade possibility between the Grizzlies and Bulls:
The trade involved Luke Kennard, Derrick Rose, and a 2027 lottery-protected first-round selection for Nikola Vučević.
Vucevic played in 76 games for the Bulls this season. He averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, shooting 48.4% from the field, 29.4% from beyond the arc, and 82.2% from the free throw line.
Vucevic, a two-time All-Star, will earn $20 million next season.
This year, both the Bulls and the Grizzlies missed the playoffs. Chicago went 39-43, while Memphis finished 27-55.
“Jaren Jackson Jr. got a chance to spread his wings a bit as both a 5 and as a more heavily featured scoring option this season, but not having Steven Adams around to take on the more bruising aspects of the position affected the team defense,” Bailey stated. “The Grizzlies ranked outside the top ten in points allowed per 100 possessions and in the bottom ten in defensive rebounding percentage.” Jackson averaged only 5.5 boards each game.
“Vučević isn’t the brute Adams is as a defender and rebounder, but he would spare Jackson some punishment inside, could take on heftier defensive assignments and allow JJJ to return to his more natural defensive position of rover.”
Vucevic has career averages of 17.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls. He turns 34 in October.
The Grizzlies are anticipated to compete for the championship next season, since Ja Morant and Desmond Bane will be healthy. If Bailey’s trade proposal goes through, Memphis could start Morant, Marcus Smart, Bane, Jackson Jr., and Vucevic.
Morant only appeared in nine games this season due to a ban and a shoulder ailment that necessitated surgery. The Memphis Grizzlies ranked bottom in the NBA in terms of points per game. They’ll be more explosive offensively next season with Morant back in the lineup.
