Bulls are obviously in a rebuild mode, and the Knicks are in 'win-now' mode.

East Projections 2024-25

The top projected teams in the East next season (excluding the Knicks) are:

• Celtics - (Porzingis, starting Center)

• Sixers - (Embiid, starting Center)

• Bucks - (*B. Lopez, starting Center)

• Cavaliers - (J. Allen, starting Center)

• Pacers - (M. Turner, starting Center)

*Bucks will occasionally go to Antetokounmpo at Center

Vucevic vs East Centers

• 21.6 ppg, 10 rpg, 3.2 apg vs Porzingis (13 games)

• 18.1 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 4.1 apg vs Embiid (18 games)

• 17.9 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 3.2 apg vs G. Antetokounmpo (31 games)

• 18.8 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 3.4 apg vs J. Allen (21 games)

• 18.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.9 apg vs M. Turner (25 games)

Coach Thibodeau likes Defense

Defense has been a weakness for Vucevic throughout his career. The Knicks Coach has been known for prioritizing defense on his teams. However, the Knicks have solid defenders on the wing (Bridges, Anunoby, Hart). Thibodeau should be able to fit the 2X NBA all star in with this team.

The trade to acquire Vucevic

The Bulls will try to acquire Knicks’ Miles "Deuce" McBride in the deal for Vucevic (M. Robinson will obviously be included). The Knicks counter or initial trade offer will not include McBride; he’s a fan favorite but also has a desirable contract. If the Bulls want picks for Vucevic, then the Knicks will have to include a third team in the deal.

Starting Lineup

If Leon Rose and the Knicks’ front office are able to acquire Vucevic this summer, their projected starting lineup would be one of the best in the NBA:

PG - Jalen Brunson

SG - Mikal Bridges

SF - OG Anunoby

PF - Julius Randle

C - Nikola Vucevic