*walks into bunker, turns on megaphone, blares air horn*
UP AND AT ‘EM, CADETS!
MAN YOUR STATIONS, CADETS!
SOUND THE ALARM!
TURN ON SHAMS CHARANIA’S NOTIFICATIONS!
TRADE DEADLINE DAY IS HERE!
While I’ve done no research to back this up, I still feel confident declaring this the craziest NBA trade deadline ever. We have had multiple All-Star players on the move, headlined by a Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade that sent the sports world ablaze. Since then, we have also seen De’Aaron Fox, Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram all find new homes. And that is to say nothing of the other mid-size moves that have also been made! For example, the most recent deal saw Mark Williams of the Hornets head to Los Angeles for a pretty sizable haul. In past years, this would have been one of the most talked-about deals of the deadline! The question now is how many more trades will we see before 2:00 p.m. CT? If these past few days proved anything, it’s that we never quite know what is being talked about behind the scenes. Speaking of which, let’s hope that the Chicago Bulls’ phone lines have stayed busy following the send-off of Zach LaVine. Some recent reports have suggested that the deadline could pass without another deal at the United Center, but this would make very little sense for a franchise entering a full-scale rebuild. Finding a deal for Nikola Vucevic, in particular, remains in their best interest. The big man belongs in a winning environment, and the Bulls also have Jalen Smith and (now) Zach Collins waiting for more opportunities. All indications have been that the Bulls want a first-round selection for Vucevic. We can all understand a little hardball at this time of year, but we’re entering crunch time! They should have a Plan B offer at the ready. I know there is nothing sexy about a package of second-round picks, but those things can come in handy down the road! The Wizards provided us with an example of that on Thursday morning, as they consolidated four of their second-rounders alongside Jared Butler for a first-rounder from Philly. Plus, in an era where so many first-rounders are already gobbled up, second-rounders have become that much more valuable. They can be great pieces to spice up trade offers down the road. At the end of the day, when you’re entering a rebuild, stocking up on draft capital of any kind has proven valuable time and again.The Wizards had 18 second-round picks after yesterday’s trades. They consolidate four into a first-round pick and now have 9 firsts over the next seven drafts.The Sixers can’t trade their own 2026 first so it’ll have to be the Clippers pick.
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) February 6, 2025 For what it’s worth, Nikola Vucevic did tell reporters following last night’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves that he expects to be with the Bulls on Friday morning (h/t Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune). Alas, this hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. The Golden State Warriors continue to be mentioned as a possible suitor even after their Jimmy Butler blockbuster. More on that here. Sounds Like Nikola Vucevic is An Option For the Warriors Even After Jimmy Butler Trade If one thing is for sure, Lonzo Ball isn’t going anywhere (for now). The point guard put an exclamation point on his comeback season with an extension. The Bulls reportedly reached the deal with Ball in the middle of last night’s game, signing him to a two-year, $20.0 million deal. While I think there is value in turning the page with Ball, this contract is so low-stakes that I’m fine with it. If Ball can actually stay healthy and continue to play at the level we’ve seen in recent weeks, the Bulls will be able to flip that contract into something genuinely valuable. Anyway, a lot more thoughts on Ball sticking around here. BREAKING: Chicago Bulls Sign Lonzo Ball to Two-Year Extension (UPDATED: Good or Bad Move?) A rebuild obviously centers around youth and player development, but you still need a select few savvy vets to help steer the ship and teach some lessons. Ball is a perfect player to fill that role, and we were reminded of that by Matas Buzelis following Wednesday’s game. He told Julia Poe that Ball has already helped him a lot with his transition game.Matas Buzelis said Lonzo Ball has completely changed the way he attacks the court in transition. Also helped him unlock a higher level of making reads off passes."He's a hooper. He's a gamer. He knows how to do pretty much everything on the court. He's been a great leader and role model."
— Julia Poe (@juliapoe.bsky.social) 2025-02-06T04:17:34.951Z While Buzelis recorded the first start of his NBA career on Wednesday night, the rookie was celebrating after the game. The Bulls kept things tight through three quarters after shocking erasing an early 21-point deficit, but the Timberwolves’ experience and superstardom won out in the end. Buzelis also struggled to contain Naz Reid, who finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Nonetheless, he finished with his fifth straight game in double figures and looks well-positioned for a second-half breakout.“It wasn’t enough energy from me. Defensively, I was sluggish. And, offensively, shots are going to miss and make, but I didn’t provide enough energy today I believe,” Buzelis said in the locker room following the 127-108 loss.
You have to respect that level of accountability from a 20-year-old. For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him move back to a sixth-man role on Saturday night. Lonzo Ball’s absence on the backend of a back-to-back is likely why Billy Donovan made the lineup change. But, hey, perhaps the Bulls’ new direction will convince the head coach to keep the rookie out there. I would surely prefer that! Nov 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) goes to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Sitting down for his introductory press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Zach LaVine insisted that he left Chicago on good terms.“I want to thank Chicago. I spent eight years there. I grew my family there. I grew up as a man there, as well. There is no love lost or bad blood. You have to understand it’s a business, and I’ve gotten to know that over my ten years in the NBA. Super excited. I’m back here on the West Coast – 45 minutes from my house in Newport. I know a couple of guys on the team. Obviously, DeMar couldn’t stay away from me for three months. It was really fun. I’m just super excited,” LaVine said about his fresh start.
The two-time All-Star made his Kings debut against the Orlando Magic, finishing with 13 points and 3 assists. As underwhelming as that stat line is, I think we all know a change like this comes with a transition period for everyone involved. I’d expect to see LaVine performing far closer to the level we’re accustomed to in a matter of games, especially as his chemistry with a big man like Domantas Sabonis grows. The obsessive Alex Bregman watch goes into another day! Brett has some thoughts on the kind of deal that Bregman’s camp is looking for and whether or not it would be worth it for the Cubs. The Bulls aren’t the only ones caught up in trade buzz! Many Blackhawks fans are wondering what moves they might have up their sleeve before the NHL’s March 7 deadline.ELSEWHERE AT BN: Check Out BN Fantasy | Subscribe to The BN Newsletter
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Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Deadline Day(!), Please Keep Making Moves, Lonzo Ball Stays, Buzelis’ First Start, and Other Bulls Bullets )
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