Rudy Gobert may have given Chicago Bulls fans a subtle hint on TwitterRyan Heckmanon June 12, 2022 at 6:19 pm

In recent weeks, things have begun to heat up within league circles. Even while the NBA Finals are still going on, rumors are swirling — and Chicago Bulls fans should pay attention.

Mulitple reports (from The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer) have included the Bulls as a possible destination for disgruntled Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert if the team decides to move on from him.

For a while now, the thought has been that Gobert and guard Donovan Mitchell cannot — and will not — co-exist. It is likely that Gobert ends up traded this summer, but the question then becomes, where to?

If the Bulls do emerge as a top destination, then it is extremely likely center Nikola Vucevic would be included in any deal. But, recent reports from NBC Sports beat writer K.C. Johnson state that Vucevic believes he will stay in Chicago.

Nikola Vucevic reportedly believes he’s staying with the Chicago Bulls, but don’t necessarily trust those rumors.

Although Johnson is as plugged-in as they come, Vucevic seems to wonder how anyone could possibly know what he’s thinking at the moment.

Vucevic retweeted one of the articles referencing Johnson’s report with the question, “Wait how do they know what I’m thinking???”

Interestingly enough, one of the top replies to this tweet came straight from Gobert himself.

???

— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) June 12, 2022

Now, this could be nothing — and it probably is — but it sure is funny that Gobert responded to this tweet which is in regards to the future of both Vucevic and himself.

If the Bulls were to make a deal for Gobert, Vucevic’s expiring deal would go back to Utah along with a pick or two. It would likely end up being at least a first-round pick to go back with Vucevic.

After all, we are talking about a 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year in Gobert.

Some want to give Vucevic more time with this core of players. However, the window for the Bulls could be shorter than we think. DeMar DeRozan enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career last year, sure, but he’s also going to be 33 years old when this coming season begins.

Vucevic will turn 32 in October, while Gobert will turn 30 in a couple of weeks. The Bulls get a little bit younger by adding Gobert, but also get a whole lot meaner on the defensive end.

Without Lonzo Ball down the stretch last season, the Bulls’ defense suffered greatly. Adding a presence like Gobert could make up for some of what was lost, and when Ball is finally healthy again, watch out.

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