As the NBA offseason continues, teams across the league are exploring ways to reshape their rosters ahead of the 2025–26 season. With several veterans on expiring contracts and a number of franchises shifting timelines, trade speculation remains active, particularly among teams looking to reset their core while maintaining future flexibility.
The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are two such teams positioned at a crossroads. Miami is coming off a disappointing campaign that saw key acquisitions underperform, while Chicago continues to hover around the middle of the Eastern Conference standings without a clear path forward. Both front offices are expected to pursue changes that better align with their evolving strategies.
A recent hypothetical trade proposal outlined by Sports Illustrated has sparked discussion about a possible framework that could benefit both sides. The deal would involve the Heat sending guard Terry Rozier, prospect Pelle Larsson, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Bulls in exchange for center Nikola Vučević and guard Ayo Dosunmu.
NBA Trade Idea
Miami Heat receive: Nikola Vučević (C), Ayo Dosunmu (G)
Chicago Bulls receive: Terry Rozier (G), Pelle Larsson (G), 2027 second-round pick
Miami Heat’s Perspective
Rozier, 30, is coming off a turbulent season in Miami. After being acquired from Charlotte to bolster the backcourt, he averaged 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game with inefficient shooting splits. He was later moved to the bench and became entangled in a league investigation related to gambling activity. Though he was recently cleared by the NBA, Rozier’s role in Miami has diminished, and his expiring $26 million contract is considered a trade chip.
The proposed deal would give the Heat frontcourt reinforcements in Vučević, a two-time All-Star on an expiring contract. Miami has shown interest in shifting Bam Adebayo to power forward in certain lineups, and Vučević’s shooting and rebounding could help facilitate that change. The team also added rookie Kel’el Ware in the draft and recently signed Norman Powell, signaling openness to additional adjustments.
Dosunmu, 25, would bring defensive versatility and positional depth to Miami’s backcourt. A 2021 second-round pick, he has become a reliable rotation guard in Chicago and is set to enter the final year of his $7.5 million contract.
Chicago Bulls’ Perspective
Chicago has been weighing options with Vučević since the trade deadline and has yet to commit to a long-term direction. The 34-year-old big man has remained productive, but with his contract expiring and the team continuing to make incremental changes, the Bulls may be motivated to recoup value while clearing future cap space.
Dosunmu has drawn interest from multiple teams this offseason, and including him in a package could enhance Chicago’s ability to extract additional assets. In this scenario, the Bulls would receive Rozier’s expiring deal, Larsson — a rookie guard on a team-friendly contract — and a future second-round pick.
The move would also continue Chicago’s recent trend. It traded Lonzo Ball to Cleveland earlier this month and has yet to re-sign restricted free agent Josh Giddey. The proposed deal provides a bridge option at guard while increasing financial flexibility heading into the 2026 offseason.
Outlook
While there is no indication that formal talks between the Heat and Bulls are underway, the proposed structure reflects the needs and motivations of both teams. Miami is seeking to retool after an underwhelming year, while Chicago appears open to reshaping its core and preparing for long-term cap relief.
As both franchises evaluate next steps, frameworks like this one could become more realistic as the 2025–26 season approaches.