Bulls Rumors: 'Growing Belief' Nikola Vucevic Could Be Traded if DeMar DeRozan Leaves

There is a "growing belief" around the NBA that the Chicago Bulls could consider trading Nikola Vucevic if DeMar DeRozan leaves the team in free agency, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

The Bulls could then "lean further into a youth movement and roster retooling," Scotto wrote.

Vucevic is signed for three more seasons and will play the 2024-25 season under a cap hit of $20 million.

He averaged 18.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in 76 games last season, starting all but two while averaging over 34 minutes per night.

Chicago is now "open to sign-and-trade possibilities" to move DeRozan, per KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.

The Bulls have been trending toward a younger starting roster this offseason with the signings of 21-year-old Josh Giddey and 22-year-old Patrick Williams, as well as the use of the No. 11 pick to draft 19-year-old Matas Buzelis.

Chicago has also signed 24-year-old center Jalen Smith. The former Indiana Pacers reserve apparently was set to serve as a replacement for outgoing backup center Andre Drummond as Drummond is set to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

Smith could end up playing an even more important role in Chicago if the Bulls move on from Vucevic as part of an ongoing push to get younger after missing the playoffs as one of the 10 oldest teams in the league last season.