Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 09: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls instructs his team against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Barclays Center on February 09, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls made the decision to make a trade deadline deal to ship Nikola Vucevic to Boston. In return, they got Anfernee Simons. Chicago enjoyed the time that Vucevic gave them after trading for him from the Orlando Magic.
Vucevic now gets to move on to a team that is competing to win the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Bulls sit 11th in the standings as they head into the All-Star break. Billy Donovan understands that Vucevic is getting a bigger opportunity than he had in Chicago.
Following the first matchup between the Bulls and the Celtics since the trade, Donovan had some kind words for Vucevic as he starts a new chapter in his career.
GettyBoston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic runs up the court. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Bulls’ Billy Donovan Gives Nikola Vucevic Support
Donovan made it clear that he is a fan of Vucevic moving forward. He mentioned that he is glad that he gets a chance to play in the playoffs this season.
“I’m happy for Vuc. He’s in a situation that he’s on a team that is certainly solidified as a playoff team. Obviously, if Tatum comes back, it gives them that much more of a boost. I think for Vuc, the one year in Chicago and the few years in Orlando, he’d been in the playoffs, but I don’t think he’s ever been on a playoff run, so to speak, where it’s been deep. For someone like him at his age to be able to experience that, I’m happy for him.”
Chicago would be lucky if they are able to qualify for the play-in at the end of the season. Vucevic would have wasted the final part of his career on a team that isn’t a playoff contender. Now, he gets to be a big part of the bench for a team that has been great all year.
GettyChicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan reacts. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The Bulls Are More Likely to Tank Than Compete
Even with the fact that they sit just one game out of the play-in, Chicago might go the other way. Right now, the Bulls have the 10th-worst offense in the NBA. Without Vucevic stretching the floor, that number might go down, although Simons has played well.
It will be very hard for Chicago to fall all the way down the standings to have one of the four best lottery odds. Yet, they can still get lucky. Dallas wont he lottery last season with having just the 11th-best odds to get the top overall pick. The Bulls are hoping for some of the same luck.
Chicago had what was the closest to a full rebuild at the trade deadline as they have made in the last few years. They got rid of Vucevic and Coby White, two of their best players. With them off the roster, Chicago can start focusing on getting younger players and building towards a team that can better contend in the playoffs.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
More Heavy on Bulls
Loading more stories