1. The new Bulls front office saw an opportunity to get Vucevic and SOME would say they pushed all their chips* in to get him.
They did this for two reasons:

+ They genuinely wanted to compete for the playoffs
+ They wanted to show LaVine (whose contract is up in 2022) that they were committed to winning.

* (Karnisovas is on record saying the Bulls are not done constructing this team so that's not really putting ALL of their chips in).

It was a bold move that I don't see the previous front office even considering.
I'll admit personally with the season LaVine was having and the help Vucevic provided,
I thought the Bulls were definitely going to make the playoffs.

2. Bulls next 10 games:

L, Spurs
L, Warriors
L, Suns
L, Jazz
W, Nets
W, Pacers
W, Raptors
L, Hawks
L, Timberwolves
L, Grizzlies

3. Bad losses with this new team (especially the last 3) let management know this team wasn't going to
make the play in tournament let alone the playoffs. And even if they did, they would get swept in the 1st round.
So they pivoted.

4. Health and Safety protocols allowed them to disguise sitting LaVine
to ensure a higher chance at keeping their 2021 pick which is top 4 protected.

The question I have for Bulls fans, which is better?

A. Competing for the playoffs, a definitely 1st round exit and losing the 7th pick.
B. Improving your chance at a top 4 pick to 32%.