NBA trade deadline: Bulls still eyeing Lonzo Ball after Nikola Vucevic deal

The Chicago Bulls made a blockbuster deal for Nikola Vucevic, and they're still reportedly trying to get Lonzo Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Chicago Bulls are making moves and staying aggressive at the NBA trade deadline. After acquiring Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic, the Bulls are keeping their foot on the gas pedal and still trying to trade for Lonzo Ball.

Here's the deal: The Bulls land Nikola Vucevic and Al Farouq Aminu for Otto Porter, Wendell Carter Jr., and two first-round picks. Huge addition for Chicago, who remains in pursuit of Lonzo Ball. The Magic are moving toward a rebuild now with Aaron Gordon deal on deck.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021

Can confirm the deal that is being finalized: Carter, Porter and two 1st-round picks to Magic for Vucevic and Aminu, per source. @wojespn 1st and so much for my theory this regime won’t sacrifice first-round picks.

Bulls haven’t given up on pursuit of Ball.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 25, 2021

Ball has been linked to many teams leading up to the deadline and has been on the Bulls' radar for a while. The dynamic New Orleans Pelicans point guard has had an outstanding season in New Orleans, shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range while really improving the consistency in his jumper. Lonzo Ball’s stats in general are looking rather impressive after a sluggish start to the season.

There have been rumors that the Bulls and Pelicans have discussed a swap involving Ball and Lauri Markkanen, though New Orleans would likely want a bit more in the deal. Chicago just used two first-round picks in the Vucevic deal, but perhaps a second-round pick or more would do. Both players are set to hit restricted free agency after the season, which does complicate matters, so we'll see if this comes to fruition.

Chicago's aggressive pursuit so far has Bulls fans feeling optimistic and filled with good vibes. They now have two cornerstones to build around in Vucevic and Zach LaVine, and in addition to the Ball pursuit, the Bulls just made another deal with the Washington Wizards.

Arturas Karnisovas isn't messing around as he looks to put his imprint on this roster. The Bulls are 19-24 and trying to turn things around.