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The Chicago Bulls are acquiring Nikola Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu via a trade with the Orlando Magic.
Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to break the news. Rumors of a Vucevic trade has been relatively quiet, but this could prove to be the trade deadline’s biggest blockbuster.
Orlando is receiving Otto Porter‘s expiring contract, Wendell Carter Jr and two first-round picks.
Carter had recently been benched by the Bulls, who are eyeing a return to the postseason. Porter’s deal helps make the money work. Orlando is receiving a former lottery pick big man to replace Vucevic, and the two first-round picks will help to rebuild the team around Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz.
The Magic receives the Bulls 2021 and 2023 first-round picks, according to Wojnarowski. Orlando is still active in shopping Aaron Gordon. Chicago is exploring a possible Lonzo Ball trade as they shift gears.
This trade came from nowhere. Noise on Vucevic was minimal, with trade rumors focusing on Gordon and Evan Fournier. Orlando is heading for a significant rebuild. The Bulls have made a massive step towards becoming a playoff team, acquiring an All-Star center to pair with Zach LaVine.
Impact of Vucevic trade
With all eyes on Kyle Lowry, Victor Oladipo and others, this was a shock move.
It’s also a move with major ramifications for both franchises.
The Magic are taking a major step back, but they acquire another pick in a loaded 2021 draft. The Bulls are clearly ready to make a push, and must be eyeing up a top six seed.
This is a trade which should have major knock-on effects. Any trade talks the Bulls were already involved in are going to step up a level, one would expect. This is time for Chicago to add further veteran presence to their roster. Pairing Ball with LaVine and Vucevic would be a real statement.
For Orlando, this likely signals a complete sell-off. Terrance Ross, Gordon and Fournier could all be gone before the deadline, perhaps along with Khem Birch and James Ennis.
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