Nikola Vucevic is entering the final year of his $60 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. Vucevic, 34, is coming into the 2025-26 campaign on the back of a borderline All-Star season.
As such, there’s been a significant amount of speculation regarding his future with the franchise. Vuecvic would undoubtedly draw interest on the trade market if the Bulls made it clear he was available for the right price.
A recent trade proposal from Liam Willerup of “Bulls on SI” provided some insight into the types of packages the Bulls could get in return for their veteran big man. Willerup’s trade proposal looks like this:
Bulls Get: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and the rights to a top-5 protected pick swap in the 2028 NBA Draft.
Lakers Get: Nikola Vucevic
“In this deal, the Bulls still get the benefit of an expiring contract like Vucevic, but also get an interesting swap with the Lakers in 2028,” Willerup wrote. “With Luka Doncic there, it’s unlikely it would become a Top 10 pick, but even if it’s a few spots higher, if the swap conveys, that could be a win.”
In 73 outings, Vucevic averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He shot 53% from the field and 40.2% from deep.
Vucevic Expects to Stay With Bulls
During a recent interview with “BasketUSA,” Vucevic explained how a recent conversation with Bulls’ GM Marc Eversley put his mind at rest regarding recent trade and buyout rumors. As such, Vucevic is planning on being part of Chicago’s roster in the upcoming season.
“The Bulls GM (Marc Eversley), who contacted me after all the rumors about me, confirmed that none of it was true and that everything we said after the season was still relevant. I knew that, but it’s always nice when your GM contacts you to tell you,” Vucevic said. “Yes, I have almost no doubt about it (staying with the Bulls). That’s the mindset I’m preparing with. Afterwards, we’ll see, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
If Vucevic does see out the 2025-26 season with the Bulls, he will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. At which point, he will leave the franchise with no assets, heading to the Bulls in return.
Vucevic Could Head to Europe Next Summer
Kevin Martorano of Sportando recently reported that at least two European teams are currently pursuing Vucevic.
“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.”
Vucevic would undoubtedly assume a significant role on a European roster. However, his desire to contend for an NBA championship may keep him in the league beyond his current contract. For now, though, his focus will be fully on helping the Bulls in the upcoming season. What happens after the upcoming campaign will be open for discussion.
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