Nikola Vucevic remains confident that he will begin the 2025/26 NBA season with the Chicago Bulls, despite ongoing trade and buyout rumors this summer. Speaking with Theo Quintard of Basket USA, Vucevic expressed his certainty about staying with the Bulls and focusing on his goals with the team.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently addressed queries from Bulls fans regarding Vucevic’s future, highlighting the absence of serious trade interest in the offseason and suggesting that a buyout might be more likely later in the season than a trade. However, Bulls general manager Marc Eversley personally reached out to Vucevic to urge him to ignore the circulating conjecture.
Addressing Rumors and Understanding the Business Side of the NBA
Vucevic acknowledged the persistent rumors but emphasized that many of them are false or blown out of proportion. He explained,
“Most of them are wrong. It’s a little bit of anything. For example, the buyout (rumor) was misinterpreted in Europe. The reporter said that if there was no trade during the season, there might be a buyout option before the deadline. I know how business works. In the final year of the contract, there is always speculation. Since I can’t control anything, I’m trying not to take the lead.”
—Nikola Vucevic, Bulls’ Starting Center
This insight reveals Vucevic’s pragmatic approach to the uncertainties that come with being a veteran player under contract, demonstrating his discipline in managing external distractions.
Reflecting on the Past Season and Personal Aspirations
Vucevic described his performance in the 2024/25 season as personally satisfying but admitted feeling “frustrating” after the Bulls were eliminated again in the play-in tournament. He expressed a strong desire to compete for an NBA championship before his playing days end. He also highlighted differences between European basketball and the NBA, stating,
“In Europe, it’s easier to join a big team. But in the NBA, it is complicated because of rules and trades.”
Considering His International Career and EuroBasket Prospects
Looking ahead to international competition, Vucevic indicated that the upcoming EuroBasket might be his final tournament representing Montenegro. He said,
“Perhaps I will change my mind, but for the time being, I believe that this will be my last. The next (major tournament) is only two years away. I’ll be 36, 37. I would also like to focus more on my career in the NBA. With age, I have to think about my body and recovery, before I re-attack the season. During the year, I am often absent because of travel, training and matches. Summer is an opportunity to make up for lost time with my three children and enjoy it. At the moment, that’s my biggest priority.”
—Nikola Vucevic
This statement highlights how Vucevic balances his professional ambitions with family commitments and physical health as he considers his future in basketball.
Challenges Ahead for Montenegro at EuroBasket 2025
Vucevic is aware that Montenegro faces significant hurdles in EuroBasket 2025, following their 13th place finish in 2022. The team is drawn in a tough group alongside Germany, Finland, Great Britain, Lithuania, and Sweden. He commented,
“If (we get) through the first round, it will be a huge success. We have absent players, injuries, so it will be quite difficult as it stands, but I think we still have a small chance to do that.”
—Nikola Vucevic
His outlook reflects both realistic expectations and a persistent hope that Montenegro can overcome challenges and progress in the tournament.
Looking Forward to a Decisive Season and Legacy
Nikola Vucevic’s outlook for the near future centers on his role with the Bulls and the pursuit of an NBA title, which remains a key motivation. With anticipated changes in his international career, focusing on recovery and family takes priority, underscoring the balance veteran athletes must maintain. How the Bulls perform in the upcoming seasons and Vucevic’s continued contributions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, shaping his legacy both in the NBA and international basketball.