Nikola Vucevic, the veteran starting center for the Chicago Bulls, could be on the move before or during the 2025 NBA Draft night, according to insider reports. This potential trade timeline has sparked interest as the team balances its competitive goals with a focus on youth development.
The 6-foot-10 center, a two-time All-Star with the Orlando Magic, remains a solid contributor despite the Bulls’ recent struggles. Last season, Vucevic put up 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, shooting efficiently over 73 contests for a Bulls squad that missed the playoffs once again.
Vucevic’s Role and Contract Situation Spurs Trade Talk
At age 35, Vucevic is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $21.5 million salary for the 2025–26 season. While durable and skilled with a versatile game that includes scoring from the perimeter and strong rebounding, his fit has been questioned on a team that often struggles defensively and offensively in space. Additionally, some analysts point to his considerable demand for touches, which can occasionally slow the offense down.
Chicago is reportedly looking to rebuild its frontcourt with younger players, making Vucevic expendable. The Bulls have recently held workouts with several promising prospects who could fill his role in the long term.
Possible Trade Timeline and Prospects Behind the Bulls’ Plans
Chicago Sports Network host Cam Smith recently commented on the situation, stating,
I think he’s moved before draft day or it could happen draft night,
—Cam Smith, Chicago Sports Network host.
So you’re looking at the timeline of this Bulls group and the players that they’ve brought in for these workouts.
The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled to begin on June 25 and conclude the next day. Among the frontcourt prospects working out for Chicago are 6-foot-9 Georgia power forward Asa Newell, 6-foot-10 Kansas State combo forward Coleman Hawkins, and 6-foot-10 Michigan big man Danny Wolf, who hails from Glencoe.
Smith elaborated on how these prospects factor into the Bulls’ strategy:
You bring these [young prospects] in with the mindset that at some point, Nikola Vucevic will be moved before draft night, or during draft night, so have to find a suitor for Vucevic,
—Cam Smith, Chicago Sports Network host.
There’s gonna be another team out there — possibly a Western Conference team — that’s gonna look at Nikola Vucevic and say that, ‘He can help our group, especially when it comes to playoff time, because he’s a stretch 5 that can shoot the basketball and also can get you some points… around the basket.
Connections to Other NBA Moves Including the Warriors
Vucevic has also been mentioned in discussions regarding a potential sign-and-trade involving Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors. Such a move would align with the Bulls’ intention to reshape their roster while addressing the needs of other teams seeking experienced frontcourt players ahead of a competitive playoff push.
Implications for the Bulls and League Dynamics
A trade involving Nikola Vucevic before or during the 2025 NBA Draft would mark a significant shift for the Bulls as they transition toward youth and future potential. His departure could open opportunities for newly drafted players like Newell, Hawkins, or Wolf to step into larger roles, changing the makeup of Chicago’s frontcourt.
For teams pursuing Vucevic, especially contenders from the Western Conference, his blend of size, shooting ability, and experience could provide valuable depth come playoff time. How this potential trade unfolds may also affect other high-profile roster moves around the league as teams finalize their lineups for the upcoming season.