That trap is built on structural imbalance—and it begins with one choice: moving on from Nikola Vucevic. Not because he’s failed; he hasn’t. It’s because the decision isn’t just about shedding salary—it’s about executing a philosophical pivot.
The Quantum Shift: Offense for Identity
The goal isn’t to replace Vucevic’s roughly 16 points and 10 boards. It’s to trade a high-volume offensive contributor for someone whose profile delivers what this team fundamentally lacks: elite, versatile defense.
What the Bulls need is a player—regardless of position—who can elevate the entire defensive ceiling of the team.