The Chicago Bulls reportedly want nothing to do with Zeke Nnaji in trade talks with the Denver Nuggets.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that the Nuggets are interested in Zach LaVine and may want to acquire the guard and Torry Craig in a deal for Michael Porter Jr. and Nnaji. However, Stein reported that the Bulls were “reluctant to include Nnaji in such a trade. This is the first year of a four-year, $32 million contract for Nnaji, the value of which decreases annually but runs through 2027-28.”

This comes after The Athletic’s Tony Jones and Sam Amick reported on Tuesday that the Nuggets are in need of offensive help and are considering a number of potential trade targets, including LaVine.

The idea is that in addition to Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, Denver needs someone who can play with the ball in his hands for the stretch run and the Western Conference playoffs. LaVine certainly fits those criteria, and he’s also someone who can take advantage of the opportunities created by Jokić with his outside shooting ability.

Jokić has more on his shoulders than usual this season, averaging 37.2 minutes per game and making 21 field goal attempts per night. Denver needs him fresher for the postseason, and adding another offensive difference-maker could help.

But the Bulls also have to agree to the deal.

And moving LaVine would certainly mean they have an eye on the future, building on young assets and perhaps draft picks. Even though Nnaji is still young at 23, accepting his deal would mean tying up several years and dollars to someone who is barely a role player.

Nnaji is averaging 1.3 points and 0.4 rebounds in 4.9 minutes per game this season.

Maybe a change of scenery will help him accomplish something, but that would be an expensive risk for a team like the Bulls that wants more money and cap space to pursue a crucial corner down the line.

It’s not particularly surprising that Chicago wouldn’t be interested in taking on this task, especially if it could lead to a bidding war and a better return package with other teams that may be interested in LaVine before the February trade deadline.