The Phoenix Suns are reportedly targeting Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic in a potential trade, but salary cap limitations could complicate the deal.
NBA insider Marc Stein recently noted that Phoenix could pursue Vucevic by attaching draft picks to Jusuf Nurkic’s contract. However, under the NBA’s new salary rules, the Suns cannot take back more money than they send out in a trade, which poses a hurdle.
While Vucevic is earning $20 million this season, Nurkic is set to make $18.1 million in 2024-25, making a one-for-one swap impossible without additional salary adjustments.
Vucevic, 34, has been one of the most consistent centers in the league this season, averaging 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 31.8 minutes per game. The Montenegrin big man is in the second year of a three-year, $60 million contract with the Bulls.
On the other hand, Nurkic, 30, has been performing at a solid level for the Suns, contributing 9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 24.8 minutes per game. The Bosnian center is in the third year of a four-year, $70 million contract.
The Bulls, with a 13-18 record and sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference, are in a tough position and may soon pivot toward a rebuild.
Meanwhile, the Suns are looking to make a move that would complement their Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Phoenix currently sits eighth in the Western Conference with a 15-14 record.
