Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
Nikola Vucevic is entering the final season of his three-year $60 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. The veteran center will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Vucevic has been the topic of trade and buyout rumors in recent weeks. However, if he’s not traded, he’s expected to be a key part of Billy Donovan’s rotation. Interestingly, despite the Bulls’ current rebuilding efforts, Vucevic remains open to extending his stay in Chicago.
“Yes, of course (He would consider re-signing),” Vucevic told Basketnews. “I mean, it has been good for me there. We will see—I have one more year left with them, so we will see what happens if I stay or if something changes. But yeah, obviously, I would love to win in Chicago.”
Vucevic, 34, enjoyed one of his best years in a Bulls uniform last season. He put up borderline All-Star numbers, averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He shot 53% from the field and 40.2% from 3-point range.
Still, given Vucevic’s age and the Bulls’ current rebuilding efforts, it’s unclear whether they will look to keep him around beyond the 2025-26 NBA season. However, it would be foolish to overlook the value of a veteran presence who can still contribute at a high level.
Bulls Unlikely to Buy Out Vucevic
An anonymous NBA executive recently told Sean Deveney of Athlon Sports that Chicago won’t buy out Vucevic’s contract if a trade fails to materialize.
“They’re not looking to buy him out,” The executive said. “If there is one thing that has been consistent about Jerry Reinsdorf over 40 years–and he is the same with the White Sox (Reinsdorf also owns MLB’s South Side team in Chicago)–it is that he does not pay players or coaches to not play or coach for him.”
Vucevic is too talented to cut loose without a fair return heading in the opposite direction. There would be limited upside in the Bulls making that move. Furthermore, cutting ties with Vucevic during the season would significantly weaken their center rotation.
Therefore, its more likely that he’s either traded, re-signed, or allowed to walk next summer. All of which would be far fairer to Vucevic than simply cutting his tenure short with a payoff. He’s been too loyal to the franchise for that to be a possibility.
Vucevic Could Head to Europe Next Summer
If the Bulls decide not to extend Vucevic’s stay with the franchise, he could draw interest from teams across Europe.
“According to SportKlub, the situation is also being closely monitored by several European clubs, especially in the EuroLeague,” Martorano reported. “Vucevic is a well-known fan of Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, which could fuel dreams among the Serbian club’s supporters of landing a major signing…Additionally, Panathinaikos — currently searching for a center — could also be interested in the player, as well as other financially powerful European teams.”
However, Vucevic would need to give up on his dream of contending for an NBA championship. At his age, if he chooses to leave the NBA, he’s very unlikely to return further down the line.