Nikola Vucevic is in the final year of his three-year, $60 million contract with the Chicago Bulls and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Bulls may be open to trade offers for the two-time All-Star veteran center if teams express serious interest, while a buyout is also a possibility if no suitable trade materializes before the February 2026 trade deadline.
Los Angeles Lakers insider Anthony Irwin has reported that the Lakers are closely tracking Vucevic’s situation, especially if Chicago opts for a buyout. A move to the Lakers could be an option if such a buyout occurs.
This does leave a few interesting free agents still, not even including eventual buyout candidates like Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic,
Irwin stated.
As they did with Smart, the Lakers are closely monitoring that situation.
—Anthony Irwin, Lakers Insider
Vucevic recently completed one of his strongest seasons with Chicago, making a buyout seem unlikely. Yet, without a trade, the Bulls risk losing him without compensation in free agency.
Chicago Bulls Prefer to Keep Vucevic Unless a Trade Occurs
An anonymous NBA executive spoke to Sean Deveney of Athlon Sports, indicating that the Bulls are unlikely to buy out Vucevic’s contract if a trade does not happen. Ownership remains firm on paying only players who remain with the team.
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.
—Anonymous NBA Executive
During last season, Vucevic participated in 73 games, averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting 53% from the field and 40.2% from beyond the arc. His versatility, rebounding, and shooting range make him a valuable asset likely to attract multiple offers in free agency.
Interest from European Teams Looms After Bulls Tenure
Even if Vucevic finishes his contract with Chicago, European clubs appear interested in acquiring the veteran center once he becomes available. At least two top European teams have reportedly begun pursuing him.
Kevin Martorano of Sportando noted that various EuroLeague clubs are monitoring Vucevic’s future closely, and the player’s affinity for European basketball adds an intriguing dynamic to potential career moves.
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.
—Kevin Martorano, Sportando
This interest from Europe provides Vucevic with several options beyond the NBA. Crvena Zvezda’s supporters hope to bring him to Belgrade, while Panathinaikos and other financially robust EuroLeague teams also remain possible destinations.
Potential Implications of Lakers’ Interest for Vucevic and the NBA Landscape
Although the Bulls are unlikely to part ways with Vucevic without a favorable trade, the Lakers’ attention adds a compelling subplot. If the Bulls opt for a buyout or negotiate a deal, Vucevic could become an attractive addition to the Lakers’ roster, especially given his championship aspirations.
The extent to which the Lakers’ interest influences Vucevic’s decisions remains unclear, including if it could motivate him to request a buyout. His proven impact on both ends of the court and versatile skill set make him a coveted player for teams chasing postseason success.
As the 2025–26 season progresses, the monitoring of Vucevic’s status by multiple parties promises potential ripple effects across the NBA and possibly in European leagues, affecting team strategies and player movements in the coming months.