Bulls Odds to Win Eastern Conference Improve to +8000 After Trading for Nikola Vucevic from Magic
- The odds of the Chicago Bulls to win the NBA Eastern Conference shortened to +8000 following Thursday’s acquisition of Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic
- All-Star center Vucevic is averaging a career-best 24.5 points and 11.8 rebounds this season
- Chicago’s odds to win the East were as long as +14000 prior to the deal
With the addition of Nikola Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls definitely got better on Thursday. Did they get good enough to win the NBA’s Eastern Conference?
Probably not, but rumors in NBA circles are that the Bulls aren’t done dealing. They still have until 3pm ET Thursday to make another move.
In Vucevic, the Bulls add an All-Star center who’s enjoying a career year. He also brings at least some playoff experience to a team that’s missed out on postseason action three years running.
Oddsmakers gave a nod of improvement to the Bulls chances in the East. Chicago shortened to +8000 in the NBA Eastern Conference odds.
2021 NBA Eastern Conference Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nets | +100 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +300 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +500 |
| Boston Celtics | +1200 |
| Miami Heat | +1200 |
| Toronto Raptors | +2000 |
| Indiana Pacers | +2500 |
| Atlanta Hawks | +6000 |
| Chicago Bulls | +8000 |
| Charlotte Hornets | +10000 |
| New York Knicks | +10000 |
| Washington Wizards | +10000 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +50000 |
| Detroit Pistons | +50000 |
| Orlando Magic | +50000 |
Odds as of Mar. 25th at DraftKings
The Bulls were as high as +14000 at some online sportsbooks prior to acquiring Vucevic.
Vucevic a Veteran Presence
Chicago’s management was seeking to add a piece who was a productive veteran that took a serious approach to the game. In Vucevic, 30, they found their man.
The two-time NBA All-Star selection is averaging a career-high 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists this season with the Orlando Magic. He’s shooting 40.6% from 3-point range.
The Bulls are sending the Magic 2021 and 2023 first-round picks in the deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
While the Magic are rebuilding, the Bulls view Vucevic as an ideal building block. His work ethic and character are considered beyond reproach by those who’ve worked with him.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Vucevic is among four NBA players who’ve averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds over the last three seasons. The other three are two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns.
He’ll be a driving force in Chicago’s offense. Vucevic will also be an example setter for a young Bulls roster that includes eight players under the age of 25.
More to Come?
The rumblings in NBA circles are suggesting that there could be another shoe to drop in Chicago before the day’s dealing is done. The Bulls are reportedly shopping 7-foot power forward Lauri Markkanen, 24. He’ll be a restricted free agent at season’s end.
Lonzo Ball is also an RFA at the end of the season and word is that the New Orleans Pelicans don’t want to pay him. That’s creating speculation of a Ball for Markkanen move.
Lauri Markkanen hasn't approached the #Bulls' front office about any trade rumors that he has landed in. He added he understands the business and speculation doesn't bother him.
"I knew that was one possibility when I didn't sign my extension," Markkanen says.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) March 25, 2021
Ball would slot in nicely alongside All-Star Zach LaVine and provide the Bulls with a stellar backcourt.
Another name being linked to the Bulls in Markkanen trade rumors is Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo.
Chicago also picked up Mo Wagner and Troy Brown from the Washington Wizards in a bid to upgrade the club’s bench strength.
Not a Bulls Market
Certainly, Chicago is a better team today than yesterday. But are the Bulls an Eastern Conference contender? Hardly.
This move might be enough to enable Chicago, currently 10th in the East, to climb into the playoffs. Then the Bulls will suffer a similar fate to Vucevic’s Magic the past two seasons – a quick first-round exit.
Word around the league is that the Bulls aren't necessarily done. Not only are they still engaged on Lonzo Ball, they're fielding calls on Lauri Markkanen.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 25, 2021
The short-term plan in adding Vucevic is getting to this year’s postseason. The long-term plan is that he’ll lead this team and learn them in the ways of being a solid, productive pro as they build for the future.
A future that isn’t now.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
