NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls Jan 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) shoots against Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (27) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bulls are most likely going to be sellers at the trade deadline with it comes on Feb. 6.
The most notable names being talked about that could be on the move for the Bulls are star guard Zach LaVine and center Nikola Vucevic.
One of those players who will not be on the move is Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis who is considered ‘untoucable’.
Chicago Bulls rookie is ‘untouchable’ in trade talks
NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls Jan 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) shoots against Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
In a new report published in the Chicago Sun-Time by columnist Joe Crowley disclosed the names of the players the Bulls are looking to deal at next months trade deadline and the ones they want to keep.
“Besides rookie Matas Buzelis – not that he’s completely untouchable – Karnisovas would be willing to part with anyone on the roster if they felt it would make the Bulls a better product long term and help them keep the 2025 top-10 protected draft pick,” Cowley reports. “A source reiterated that Karnisovas has come down on what teams felt were unrealistic asks from earlier in the season, but that still doesn’t mean the executive is willing to just give guys away.”
The 20-year-old Buzelis was drafted first round with the 11th pick, 11th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and he made his debut in the NBA on Oct. 23rd, 2024. Buzelis is having a respectable rookie campaign playing in 42 games for the Bulls averaging 4.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, .4 assists, and shooting 37.6% from the field. Matas has also shown he is capable of making his free throws by being almost an 83% shooter from the line this season which is respectable for a big man.
A growing number of fans are starting to cry out that Buzelis needs to start getting more minutes given how poorly the Bulls have been playing. The calls are growing increasingly louder with the Bulls current starter over Buzelis Patrick Williams struggling offensively.
The deadline could provide an opportunity for Buzelis
NBA: Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers Jan 19, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) dribbles the ball on a fast break during the second half against Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
With the trade deadline fast approaching and Williams being up on the block an opportunity could open for Buzelis to get more minutes if Williams is moved.
Buzelis is a very talented rookie who lead the Bulls in blocks per game and is second in dunks behind Lavine in just a little over 12 minutes played a game.
Set to partake in the NBA Dunk Contest during the All-Star break and with Buzelis star risining he is quickly becoming a player the Bulls should look to build around for the future.
NBA: Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards Jan 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Chicago Bulls have discussed trading for a superstar guard
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