Chicago Bulls worried about money in trade talks: Report

With hours to go before the NBA trade deadline on Wednesday, the Chicago Bulls have only traded away one core piece of their team. Zach LaVine was sent to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.

The trade marked the beginning of the Bulls coming to grips with the fact that the team must rebuild. However, Chicago has not been able to trade more players to hasten the rebuild.

The Bulls had two deals in place for Nikola Vucevic, but they fell through on Tuesday night.

Chicago Bulls want too much

Per K.C. Johnson with CHSN, the Bulls’ asking price is too high for the Golden State Warriors.

“Warriors focus has shifted from Kevin Durant to Jimmy Butler, per multiple reports,” Johnson wrote. “If Butler pursuit fails, Nikola Vucevic (and since-traded Zach LaVine) had been on Warriors radar. But as of now, I’m told Warriors aren’t sure they’d pursue Vucevic at Bulls asking price.”

Warriors focus has shifted from Kevin Durant to Jimmy Butler, per multiple reports. If Butler pursuit fails, Nikola Vucevic (and since-traded Zach LaVine) had been on Warriors radar. But as of now, I’m told Warriors aren’t sure they’d pursue Vucevic at Bulls asking price.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 5, 2025

Money is the holdup for Lonzo Ball

Johnson wrote the price could come down before Thursday’s deadline. He also suggested that the Bulls are worried about money when it comes to dealing with Lonzo Ball.

“Could that change if Butler pursuit fails and it’s closer to deadline? Sure,” Johnson wrote. “Everything is fluid. As for Lonzo Ball, Bulls have fielded offers involving draft capital but with long-term money attached. Ball makes $21.4M and his deal expires. Stay tuned.”

Could that change if Butler pursuit fails and it’s closer to deadline? Sure. Everything is fluid.

As for Lonzo Ball, Bulls have fielded offers involving draft capital but with long-term money attached. Ball makes $21.4M and his deal expires. Stay tuned.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 5, 2025

The Bulls have bought high and sold low on LaVine, Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso. Chicago’s priorities don’t seem to be in the right place on Wednesday.

Maybe they’ll sober up on Thursday.

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