Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has frequently appeared in offseason trade rumors, with reports suggesting that the team might opt to buy out his contract if no trade materializes. Despite speculation about his future, Vucevic remains confident that he will stay with the Bulls for the upcoming season, offering clarity in a recent interview.
Speaking with Real GM, the 34-year-old veteran dispelled much of the speculation surrounding his status, explaining that his communication with the Bulls’ management has been consistent and reassuring. He said,
“The Bulls’ GM (Marc Eversley), who had contacted me after all the rumors about me, confirmed that nothing was true and that everything we had said to each other after the season was still relevant. I knew it, but it’s always nice when your GM contacts you to tell you.”
—Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls Center
Contract Status and Buyout Rumors Clarified
Although positive about his role with Chicago, Vucevic is in the final year of a contract that carries a cap hit of $21.4 million, which has fueled speculation about a potential buyout. The center addressed these suggestions directly, highlighting how misinformation can spread, especially internationally. He stated,
“There are always rumors. Most of them are false. It’s a bit of nonsense. For example, the buy-out was misinterpreted in Europe: the journalist wrote that if there was no ‘trade’ during the season, there might be a ‘buy-out’ option before the ‘deadline’.”
—Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls Center
Regarding how he personally approaches the uncertainties of his contract situation, Vucevic added,
“I know how the business works: in the last year of a contract, there is always speculation. Since I can’t control anything, I try not to worry about it.”
—Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls Center
Vucevic’s Role in the Bulls’ Roster Moving Forward
This perspective indicates that Vucevic likely remains a key figure in the Bulls’ frontcourt plans for the near future. Retaining the two-time All-Star would maintain stability in the team’s rotation, allowing Chicago to focus on other roster adjustments without rushing to fill a frontcourt gap.
At 34 years old, Vucevic continues to be an efficient and versatile scorer. Last season, he averaged 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while shooting 53.0% from the field and maintaining a 40.2% success rate from beyond the arc. This output underscores his ability to contribute both inside the paint and as a floor spacer, a combination valuable for the Bulls’ offensive schemes.
Focus Shifts to Developing Young Talent and Resolving Contract Issues
With Vucevic expected to hold his position, Chicago’s attention now turns toward nurturing their younger players, particularly rising star Matas Buzelis. Building a competitive team around Buzelis requires assembling capable supporting cast members.
The Bulls appear intent on keeping promising players such as Coby White and Josh Giddey. White’s contract situation is straightforward, as he is approaching the final year of his deal. However, negotiations with Giddey are more complicated. The two sides remain at an impasse over his contract value, with Giddey seeking roughly $30 million annually, while the Bulls have offered closer to $20 million. This standoff has the potential to create uncertainty in Chicago’s offseason plans.