Nikola Vucevic‘s long-term future with the Chicago Bulls has been a significant discussion point over the past 12 months. He’s entering the final year of his three-year $60 million deal with the franchise.
Unfortunately for Vucevic, there doesn’t appear to be a robust market for his services in the NBA at present. Chicago would likely welcome trade negotiations for the reliable big man, should they surface.
However, it would appear that while NBA teams are reluctant to add the former All-Star to their roster, multiple European teams are monitoring his availability. They would need to wait for Vucevic to either become a free agent next season or be bought out of his contract before acquiring him, though.
“According to SportKlub, the situation is also being closely monitored by several European clubs, especially in the EuroLeague,” Kevin Martorano of Sportando 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.”
Multiple NBA talents have made the move to Europe this summer. Lonnie Walker IV and Oshae Brissett have both signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Shake Milton has made the move to Serbia, where he’ll suit up for Partizan Belgrade.
Therefore, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Vucevic would entertain a move back to Europe, especially if the role and pay on offer were on par or higher than what he would receive in the NBA.
Bulls Would Consider Vucevic Buyout
According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, who was speaking on a recent Bleacher Report livestream, the Bulls could consider buying Vucevic out of his contract if a trade doesn’t materialize by the deadline.
“We’ve been talking about how there hasn’t been much of a market for Nikola Vučević all along, dating back to last trade deadline in February,” Fischer said. “I think at this juncture, we’re probably more likely to see a Nikola Vučević buyout midseason than we are to see a trade, depending on how the market unfolds, depending on how injuries develop. There really hasn’t been much of a Nikola Vučević trade market in a while.”
Vuecvic would undoubtedly have numerous options available if he hit the free agency market. However, a starring role with a European roster may be the most compelling. That is, unless he wants to focus on trying to win an NBA championship before leaving the NBA.
Bulls’ Vucevic Wants to Join a Contender
During his end-of-season media availability, Vucevic discussed his desire to contend for a championship.
“There are some good, young pieces that can be built around,” Vucevic said. “There are a lot of questions when you’re a team not fighting for the top. I have trust in them and believe they want to do what’s best and build a good team that wants to win. So we’ll see. Obviously, I’m at the stage in my career where I’m trying to win now. Play in the playoffs and hopefully have deep playoff runs. It’s a young team and it does take time. It all depends on what their timeline is and how they see this team.”
Vucevic has options available to him. It’s his choice how he chooses to capitalize on them when the time comes.
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