Latest news with #NikolaVucevic
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Report: Warriors' Interest in Potential Trade Target Gets Major Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Golden State Warriors have not had a very active NBA offseason thus far. While they were considered the front-runner to sign veteran free agent center Al Horford, he still hasn't signed with a new team. It is clear that the Warriors need help at the center position. Kevon Looney signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this offseason. Should Horford choose to sign with a different team or retire, Golden State would need to pivot quickly. One potential name that has come up quite often as a possible Warriors' option is Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May... Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. More Photo byVucevic has been rumored to be on the trade block over the last couple of years. However, the Bulls have yet to make a move with him. Read more: Knicks Linked to Potential Blockbuster Move for New Star Could Golden State consider pivoting to Vucevic and pursuing a trade for him? A Jonathan Kuminga deal with Chicago could make that happen. While it's an intriguing option, a new update has come out regarding the Warriors' stance on Vucevic. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Golden State does not seem to have any interest in trading for Vucevic. "There's the thought that Nikola Vucevic would be a potential outgoing piece in a sign-and-trade that the Warriors have had some interest there. I don't think the Warriors have much interest in Nikola Vucevic," Fischer said. "I really don't. I'm not so bullish that there will be a sign-and-trade between Kuminga and Chicago that includes Vucevic." At 34 years old, Vucevic's trade value has seemingly been low over the last couple of years. There have been some teams with rumored interest in him, but the fact that a deal hasn't been made shows that the Bulls do not like the return they're being offered. Read more: Shaquille O'Neal Reveals Strong Concern About Lakers During the 2024-25 NBA season with Chicago, Vucevic played in 73 games. He averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting 53 percent from the floor and 40.2 percent from three-point range. As the offseason moves forward, the Warriors will have a decision to make. Horford has been their clear top target, but if he doesn't choose Golden State then the team will need to get aggressive elsewhere. Even though Vucevic has been viewed as a potential option, it sure doesn't sound like the Warriors want to head that direction. For more on the Golden State Warriors and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Insider Dismisses Jonathan Kuminga Trade to Bulls, Highlights Fit Issues With Warriors
Insider Dismisses Jonathan Kuminga Trade to Bulls, Highlights Fit Issues With Warriors originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Jonathan Kuminga trade saga has been the key point of concern for the Golden State Warriors this offseason. While the Chicago Bulls were viewed as a potential landing spot for the 22-year-old forward, NBA insider Zach Lowe dismissed any notion of this on a recent episode of "The Zach Lowe Show". He said: "I don't think Vooch (Vucevic) to Golden State is a thing. I don't think it's a thing, I'm not sure it really ever was a thing, on this current contract anyway." A trade rumor had linked the Warriors with the Bulls, with the proposal sending Kuminga to Chicago in exchange for Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic. While this had gained a lot of traction on social media platforms and among the Warriors fanbase, no such trade materialized. Instead, Golden State was left with negotiating Kuminga's contract extension while also debating their intentions to part ways with him. The 22-year-old has expressed his desire to leave the Bay Area in pursuit of his dream of becoming an All-Star. While he is an exceptional talent, it was quite clear that his fit with the Warriors was clunky. Lowe shed more light on why this created problems for both parties when he added: "I think we're all guilty of overcomplicating it a little bit... If he just defended better, I think he would've played more. I think the Warriors coaches would have let him the defense just hasn't been there consistently enough." Lowe's comments paint an interesting picture of the situation in Golden State. The Warriors' style of basketball, their motion offense, has always been predicated on unselfishness and movement without the ball. Players such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who were effective without the ball in their hands, benefited the most from this. While perimeter shooting ability is typically a prerequisite for Warriors players, the franchise has featured enough players who break the mold. From Shaun Livingston to Jimmy Butler, the Dubs have always featured a player with a contrasting style of play. Lowe's expectations of Kuminga present the forward as this type of player. Unfortunately, with Kerr placing more faith in Butler, primarily due to his experience, the 22-year-old is simply in the wrong environment to embrace that role, something Kerr has mentioned as well. Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. Although his perimeter shooting leaves more to be desired, the young forward displayed an innate ability to create scoring opportunities through sheer athletic prowess. There is certainly a scenario in which Kuminga could thrive within the Warriors' framework, but it would require him to adhere to the role carved out for him. When considering his aspirations, this simply may not align. As things stand, the Warriors haven't shown any indication of trading him in the offseason. This hesitation has also held up other transactions. As the signing of Al Horford has been delayed further, potentially seeing the veteran shift interest to other teams, Golden State could consider reevaluating its approach to the story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Warriors Reportedly 'Moving Away' From Long-Rumored Center Target
Warriors Reportedly 'Moving Away' From Long-Rumored Center Target originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Golden State Warriors entered the 2025 offseason with a key need towering above the rest: acquire a starting center. So far, nothing has materialized. Advertisement The Warriors have watched key names like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela sign elsewhere during free agency. Even a potential trade target like Jonas Valanciunas has found a new home in Denver. Despite the options quickly dwindling, the Warriors reportedly have no qualms about taking names off the board themselves. There is one name who has been tied to the team for a considerable duration that Golden State is losing interest in. Mar 7, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives between Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) during the first quarter at Chase Center. © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images Jake Fischer dropped another rumor mill roundup. That report heavily featured the Warriors, with Kuminga as a big talking point. The Chicago Bulls are one of the teams Fischer expected to be in on the sweepstakes to acquire the Warriors forward. However, hopes of a sign-and-trade bringing Kuminga to Chicago have lessened with the Warriors' fading interest in Nikola Vucevic. Advertisement Fischer wrote, "The Warriors, though, appear to have moved away from past trade interest they previously registered in veteran Bulls center Nikola Vučević, which might have helped spark something this summer." The NBA insider added some potential reasoning as to why the Warriors are pivoting elsewhere. It appears another name has taken the focus of their main interest, with regard to solving the frontcourt problems. Fischer added, "League sources say Golden State remains a leading contender to sign Al Horford away from Boston as a much-needed move to bolster a frontcourt rotation that is no longer home to Warrior-turned-New Orleans Pelican Kevon Looney." Vucevic remained productive in 2024-25. The Bulls center averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 31.2 minutes per game, shooting 53.0 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc. Advertisement Vucevic's projected $21.5 million deal could have primed to be included in any sign-and-trade package for Kuminga. Warriors fans will need to wait to see if this fix to the frontcourt is truly off the board. Related: Warriors Running Out of Center Options as Free Agency Spiral Continues Related: Top Four Destinations for Jonathan Kuminga Revealed By NBA Insider This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bulls emerging as trade candidate for $100 million Celtics guard after Lonzo Ball decision
The Boston Celtics still have moves to make, and some have suggested that it could include moving on from recently acquired guard Anfernee Simons. Simons is an intriguing piece who the Celtics landed in the Jrue Holiday trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. However, if the Celtics decide to move on from Simons, it'll help them financially. Advertisement The biggest focus for the Celtics entering the offseason was to ensure that they're in a good position financially, which could mean that trading him makes sense. When searching for potential options in a deal, it was reported by Brett Siegel of Clutch Points that there's a team interested, with the Chicago Bulls reportedly looking for another guard. "After trading Lonzo Ball on Saturday and continuing to field calls about Coby White, the Chicago Bulls may need a new guard next to Josh Giddey, who the team intends to re-sign in free agency," Siegel wrote. "The Bulls like to play fast and shoot a lot of threes, which would fit Simons' style of play perfectly. More importantly, from Boston's point of view, Nikola Vucevic is a veteran big man who would make a lot of sense as a one-year replacement for Porzingis. "Such a swap would immediately move the Celtics out of the first apron and give them a key veteran at center." Advertisement MORE: Free agent Al Horford considering surprise post-Celtics career move As he touched on, the Bulls already lost Lonzo Ball in a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Simons and Ball are completely different players, he'd at least replace them in the sense of being a guard.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 best trades Pacers must make after Tyrese Haliburton injury, NBA Finals loss
The post 3 best trades Pacers must make after Tyrese Haliburton injury, NBA Finals loss appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Indiana Pacers' magical run to the 2025 NBA Finals ended in heartbreak, both on the scoreboard and in the training room. Tyrese Haliburton, the franchise's engine, suffered a devastating Achilles tear in Game 7, casting a shadow over the team's immediate future and raising tough questions about how to keep their championship window open. With Haliburton likely out for the entire 2025-26 season, the Pacers must act decisively to reload, support their remaining core, and ensure they remain a force in the East. Here are three perfect trade proposals to keep Indiana in contention. Nikola Vucevic: The Need of Veteran Scoring and Rebounding Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Trade Proposal: Pacers receive: Nikola Vucevic Bulls receive: Aaron Nesmith, Isaiah Jackson, 2025 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick Advertisement With Haliburton out, the Pacers desperately need a reliable offensive hub and rebounding presence. Nikola Vucevic, a multi-time All-Star, fits the bill perfectly. His ability to stretch the floor as a center (career 34% from three) opens up the paint for slashers like Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam. Vucevic also provides elite rebounding and can facilitate offense from the high post, helping to fill the playmaking void left by Haliburton. From Chicago's perspective, this trade brings in two young, versatile pieces in Nesmith and Jackson, plus valuable draft capital. For Indiana, pairing Vucevic with Pascal Siakam gives them a unique twin-tower look, both can shoot, defend, and play inside-out. This move keeps the Pacers competitive in the East and gives them a proven veteran to stabilize the offense during Haliburton's recovery. Malcolm Brogdon: Playmaking and Leadership at the Point Trade Proposal: Pacers receive: Malcolm Brogdon Wizards receive: T.J. McConnell, Ben Sheppard, 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected) Advertisement Indiana needs a steady hand at point guard who can score, facilitate, and defend. Malcolm Brogdon, a former Pacer and the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, is an ideal fit. Brogdon's familiarity with Indiana's system and his proven ability to lead an offense make him a seamless plug-and-play solution. He's averaged over 15 points and 5 assists per game throughout his career, and his size and defensive acumen allow him to play alongside Andrew Nembhard or Mathurin in bigger lineups. Washington, deep in a rebuild, gets a veteran mentor in McConnell and a promising young guard in Sheppard, plus a future first-round pick. For the Pacers, Brogdon's leadership and two-way play help keep the team afloat in the playoff race and provide a bridge until Haliburton is healthy. His contract is manageable and doesn't hinder Indiana's long-term flexibility. Kelly Oubre Jr.: Versatile Scoring on the Wing Trade Proposal: Pacers receive: Kelly Oubre Jr. 76ers receive: Obi Toppin, 2027 second-round pick Advertisement With Haliburton out, Indiana must find new sources of offense and perimeter defense. Kelly Oubre Jr. is coming off a strong season in Philadelphia, where he averaged 15+ points per game and provided energy, athleticism, and defensive versatility. Oubre can play either forward spot, attack the rim, and defend multiple positions, making him a valuable addition to a Pacers team that needs to replace Haliburton's scoring punch and perimeter presence. Philadelphia, always looking to tweak its roster around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, gets a high-upside forward in Obi Toppin and a future pick. For Indiana, Oubre's ability to create his own shot and defend top wings gives coach Rick Carlisle more lineup flexibility and insurance against further injuries. He fits the Pacers' up-tempo style and can thrive as a starter or sixth man. Why These Trades Make Sense Now The Pacers' resilience in the Finals proved they have the heart and depth to compete, but the Haliburton injury forces a strategic reset. Vucevic brings interior scoring and experience, Brogdon delivers playmaking and leadership, and Oubre injects athleticism and versatile scoring. None of these moves mortgage the future, and all three players can contribute immediately while Haliburton recovers. Advertisement These trades also reposition Indiana's timeline. By adding veterans who can win now but don't block the development of young talent, the Pacers can stay relevant in the playoff race and keep fans engaged. When Haliburton returns, he'll join a deeper, more battle-tested roster ready for another title run. In the face of adversity, the Pacers have a chance to prove their Finals appearance was no fluke. By making bold, targeted trades, Indiana can transform a devastating setback into the foundation for long-term success—ensuring that when Haliburton is healthy again, the Pacers are not just contenders, but favorites to finish what they started. By acting decisively and targeting proven contributors, the Pacers can weather Haliburton's absence, maintain playoff relevance, and set the stage for a triumphant return. These trades not only keep Indiana competitive now, but also ensure the team's long-term growth and championship aspirations remain firmly within reach. Related: Brian Windhorst reveals what Tyrese Haliburton 'won' despite Pacers' NBA Finals loss Related: Paul George makes suggestion after Tyrese Haliburton injury
