Bulls link up with Vasilije Micic in potential trade

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Lonzo Ball

The Chicago Bulls have been rumored to be interested in Euroleague MVP Vasiljie Micic over the past few years, but his contract situation with Anadolu Efes of the Turkish League and the Oklahoma City Thunder that owns his NBA rights could be something is a hindrance.

Recent tough injury news involving Lonzo Ball suggests the Bulls could be placed on the defensive as they had planned. The 6-foot-5-inch micic could be an even more appealing option for the Bulls at the moment.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski recently tweeted about Micic’s desire to come to the NBA and how at 28, he doesn’t fit in with the current rebuilding plans the Thunder are hatching.

NBC Sports ‘Mark Schanowski mentioned Micic as a potential option amid Ball’s limp knee.

The Bulls’ executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas recently revealed Ball’s injured knee isn’t as responsive as the team had hoped, but they still hope he’ll be ready for the NBA season to begin. .

Is this why Coby White is not trading?

This may explain why the Bulls are not trading Coby White. If Ball fails to start the season well, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan may have to turn to White as a starter, or at least one capable of playing key minutes on the ice. reserve seat.

Micic could be the top guard the Bulls need, with or without Ball. For his career, he’s been a shooter who shoots 0.369% from the three-point range. He takes under 84% of his free throws while generally being a reliable goalscorer. In last year’s Euroleague, he averaged 18 points per game. He also got 4.5 rebounds and made 4.5 assists per game.

Here’s a look at Micic’s recent highlights from this past season.

Can the Bulls be empty-handed before the Thunder to win the right for Micic?

Thunder may not want or need Micic because of his age, but can they use White? A deal to send White and perhaps Devon Dotson rights to Thunder to JaMychal Green and rights to Micic would work for both teams.

Remember, White is still only 22 years old. He averaged 13.7 points per game over the three years of his NBA career, made 38% of pitches, 85% of free throws, and made 3.5 assists per game.

Few young defenders in the league can boast a better resume from a statistical standpoint. White could come and compete with Theo Maledon, Jalen Williams and Tre Mann for playing time behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. White made $7.4 million, and Green had $8.2 million on the books. Dotson’s inclusion should bring some financial balance as well as another young potential asset to the Thunder.

Green is a veteran striker capable of supporting Patrick Williams. Meanwhile, a deal to sign Micic could be done with Chicago and the Bulls would have serious talent ready to replace Ball or act as the sixth man to power the reserve team with Alex Caruso. .

Adding Micic and Green will push the Bulls closer to being a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. However, a lot will need to happen before this scenario can become a reality.