NBA executives are wondering if the Chicago Bulls will pursue Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis and Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Bulls center Nikola Vučević is on an expiring contract, so he could be used as a trade piece.
Davis was born and raised in Chicago, while Sabonis and Bulls executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas are Lithuanian.
“I’ve heard from more than a few rival executives who have noted Vučević’s trade-friendly contract, plus the other expiring deals on Chicago’s books, which has led them to wonder aloud about the Bulls’ Lithuanian GM Artūras Karnišovas pursuing Sabonis,” Fischer wrote. “Similar curiosity about the Bulls as a potential suitor to try to bring Davis back to his native Windy City is also circulating.”
Davis is making $54.1 million this season. He’ll make $58.5 million next season and has a player option for the 2027–28 season worth $62.8 million.
Meanwhile, Sabonis is making $42.3 million this season. He’ll make $45.5 million next season and $48.6 million during the 2027-28 season, the final year of his contract.
Davis has played in only five games this season for the Mavericks. He’s currently dealing with a left calf strain and it’s unknown when the 10-time All-Star will suit up again. The 2020 NBA champion is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
Sabonis, currently out because of a torn meniscus in his left knee, has appeared in 11 games this season. He’s averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The three-time All-Star has nine double-doubles.
The Bulls are 9-8, the Mavericks are 5-14 and the Kings are 5-13.
Dallas is expected to trade Davis after firing Nico Harrison as general manager, while Sacramento could trade its veterans and rebuild after getting off to a putrid start.