https://www.bleachernation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Zach-Collins-Bulls-a.jpgThis article is in response an article I saw on Bleacher Nation ten days ago which discussed the three Centers the Bulls have and the problem they are now presented with as they are trying to reshape and rebuild their roster.
The Chicago Bulls are facing a critical juncture in their rebuilding process, with many fans already questioning whether the team will be able to avoid falling short of the play-in tournament for the third consecutive year. Despite having a talented roster, inconsistent play and a lack of cohesion have left the Bulls stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. As the team continues to rebuild, the question remains whether they can finally break free from this playoff purgatory or if another year of frustration awaits.
Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith are both veterans who at this point in their careers may no longer be in the long-term plans of the Chicago Bulls. The team, currently in the midst of rebuilding, could very well trade one or both of these players over the summer or even next season before the trade deadline. Trading Zach LaVine for Zach Collins at the deadline this season signaled the front office’s continued commitment to reshaping the roster.
The trade for Collins, which sent away a combination of players and draft picks, was a clear indication that Artūras Karnišovas, the Bulls’ President of Basketball Operations, was looking to fortify the team with a younger, more versatile big man. Collins, a skilled center with a decent offensive game and a strong defensive presence, fits into the type of player the Bulls need to rebuild around. His addition was strategic, giving the team another piece to develop around as they continue to move away from their initial push for playoff contention.
While the move for Collins made sense in the context of the team’s rebuilding efforts, it also highlighted the possibility of moving on from players like Vucevic and Smith. Both of them are aging veterans, with Vucevic especially being on the wrong side of 30 and nearing the end of his contract. At this stage in his career, Vucevic remains an excellent player—he can score, rebound, and stretch the floor. But when considering the Bulls’ long-term goals, it’s clear that his future in Chicago may be uncertain. His contract expires in 2024, and if the Bulls are serious about a rebuild, they might be better off trading him while he still holds value on the market. This would allow them to bring in younger players or assets that could be important for the next phase of the rebuild.
The Bulls are now in a transitional period, and Karnišovas’s job is likely on the line. His first rebuilding effort, which was centered around the trio of Lonzo Ball, LaVine, and DeRozan, was quickly derailed due to Ball’s knee injury. That setback threw a wrench into the plans and ultimately forced the front office to pivot. The Bulls are now looking to build a younger, more sustainable team, and with the addition of Collins, they have a piece to build around. Vucevic, on the other hand, doesn’t fit into that long-term vision, especially given his age. His ability to contribute is undeniable, but as the Bulls continue to develop younger players, moving him could be a strategic decision.
Smith, though significantly younger than Vucevic, is still a veteran who has yet to truly establish himself as a key contributor. Signing him last summer added depth to the Bulls’ frontcourt, but whether he fits into the team’s future plans is still up for debate. At 24 years old, he’s not in the same developmental stage as younger players, but he could still have value as a role player or as part of a package deal for a more impactful asset. The Bulls have to weigh the benefits of keeping Smith versus using him as a trade asset to continue building for the future.
With Vucevic and Smith both potentially on the move after this season, the role of Zach Collins in this equation becomes even more apparent. Collins was brought to Chicago with the understanding that he could be a significant part of the team’s future. His skills as a versatile big man who can contribute both offensively and defensively make him an ideal fit for a rebuild, especially considering his age and ability to play both the center and power forward positions. With Collins now in the fold, the Bulls have a player who can provide stability in the frontcourt as they look to develop their younger players around him.
Karnišovas’s challenge is clear: he must now decide if trading veterans like Vucevic and Smith is the right move for the long-term health of the franchise. Trading them would not only open up more playing time for younger players but would also create the opportunity for the Bulls to add future assets—whether that be in the form of draft picks, young prospects, or cap flexibility. Collins, with his age and potential, is likely a key piece in Karnišovas’s vision, and the front office must decide if moving Vucevic and Smith is the best way to continue the rebuild.
The timing of any potential moves for Vucevic and Smith is crucial. The 2024 offseason or even the trade deadline next season may present the best opportunity for the Bulls to make those moves and capitalize on their value before they become even less attractive trade assets. Vucevic, in particular, still holds considerable value in the trade market due to his experience and skill set. Teams looking for a seasoned big man who can contribute immediately may be willing to give up valuable assets to acquire him. Smith’s value is more tied to his potential, but he could still bring in future assets if the Bulls decide to move on from him.
Karnišovas’s tenure with the Bulls has been marked by a combination of bold moves and tough decisions. The addition of Vucevic, the trade for DeRozan, and the acquisition of Collins were all aimed at making the Bulls competitive again. However, the injury to Lonzo Ball disrupted those plans, and the team now finds itself needing to reevaluate its roster. Karnišovas can’t afford to make the same mistake again. This rebuild must work, and it’s clear that the team needs to focus on building a younger core that can grow together over the next few seasons.
Here’s the thing folks: If Karnišovas is going to get this rebuild right, he has to be willing to make tough decisions, including moving on from aging veterans like Vucevic and Smith. Collins provides a solid foundation, and the Bulls must continue to surround him with young talent and future assets. The team has no shortage of tradeable veterans, and the window to move them is closing quickly. Vucevic and Smith could both be valuable in the short term, but long-term success will require the team to continue to reshape its roster and focus on developing younger players who can help lead the team to future success.
With that… The next few months will be critical for Karnišovas and the Bulls. This is his last chance to prove that the team can successfully rebuild. If he moves quickly and strategically, the Bulls can position themselves for a brighter future. If he hesitates, the team risks missing out on valuable opportunities to add assets that could accelerate the rebuild. The trade of Vucevic, Smith, or even both could be the key to turning the page on the current roster and beginning a new chapter in Chicago basketball. Karnišovas future at the helm of the Bulls depends on the decisions he makes in the coming months and how the team plays next season.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!