Day: July 14, 2024

The Chicago Bulls have seemingly leaned into a rebuild this offseason. The Bulls traded veteran guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey, and then signed-and-traded veteran wing DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings.

However, trades haven’t been found for Zach LaVine or Nikola Vucevic to really push the rebuilding efforts forward. In fact, there seems to be no market available for either player.

Trade talks for LaVine haven’t gone anywhere, and cap space to absorb LaVine’s contract has mostly dried up. The market for Vucevic never really developed in the first place, with teams wary of taking on the veteran center’s contract.

LaVine is owed $137.9 million over the next three seasons. Vucevic is on the books for $41.5 million over the next two seasons.

Masai Ujiri joined the broadcast during the Toronto Raptors Summer League on Saturday. After discussing his team’s young players, Ujiri was asked about the situation with Sasha Vezenkov. The Raptors acquired Vezenkov this summer in a deal with the Sacramento Kings.

“We’re still having that conversation. He had a tough time in the NBA last year. We are trying to figure it out, and what he wants to do. The right decision will be made eventually,” Ujiri said. “I think he’s a phenomenal player, had a tough season last season, those things happen, great shooter. Whatever happens, we’re going to make the best out of this situation. We support him in every way, and we know where our team is going. So, hopefully soon.”

Vezenkov reportedly let the Kings know he wanted to be traded to a different team, or to be allowed to return to Europe. After being traded to the Raptors, reports came out that Vezenkov had already agreed to contract terms with Olympiacos in Greece. The soon-to-be 29-year-old forward won’t be able to leave Toronto without being waived or working a buyout agreement with the Raptors.

The New York Knicks know they need to add another center to their roster. The Knicks currently have talented, but oft-injured, Mitchell Robinson as their starter. Behind him is Jericho Sims, who remains best as a third center. The search for a backup, who can also start when necessary, may lead New York to a familiar face.

The Knicks have remained in touch with Precious Achiuwa, about their backup center role. Achiuwa remains unsigned in free agency.

In 49 games (18 starts) after coming over from the Toronto Raptors in the OG Anunoby trade, Achiuwa averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 24.2 minutes per game. At 6-foot-8, Achiuwa is undersized for a traditional center, but his strength and athleticism help him hold up against much bigger players.

New York is also looking into acquiring a higher-salaried veteran via the trade market. Those talks were termed as more casual than serious, at this point.