Nikola Vucevic doesn’t fit the timeline for the current Chicago Bulls roster. Billy Donovon is overseeing a full-scale rebuild. Multiple young talents now hold significant roles within the rotation.
Unfortunately for Vucevic, there has been little to no trade interest in his services this summer. As such, the veteran big man will likely be part of Donovan’s roster to begin the new season. However, that doesn’t mean he will be part of the rotation that ends the season. Chicago could move him ahead of the February 2026 trade deadline.
Dave Holcomb of “Fantasy on SI,” has proposed a deal that would give the Bulls a long-term answer at the center position. Holcomb’s idea would land Jarrett Allen in Chicago, giving Josh Giddey the type of rim-runner he could thrive next to.
The proposed trade looks like this:
Cavaliers receive: Ayo Dosunmu and Matas Buzelis.
Bulls receive: Jarrett Allen.
“If the Cavaliers are indeed interested in turning to Mobley for full-time center minutes, then a trade for Dosunmu and Buzelis makes sense,” Holcomb wrote. “Both forwards would help Cleveland replace Allen in the front court, but they wouldn’t block Mobley from being the team’s new starter at center.”
In truth, the Bulls are highly unlikely to include Matas Buzelis in any trade proposal that doesn’t land a genuine star talent. However, there would likely be other makeweights the Bulls could use to get a deal over the line. Allen would be a strong fit on the Bulls roster and would easily slide into Donovan’s starting unit.
Hornets’ Urged to Target Bulls’ Vucevic
In a recent article for “Hornets on SI,” Ryan Stano laid out a case for the Charlotte Hornets to target Vucevic.
“One player the Hornets need to target in a trade is Nikola Vucevic,” Stano wrote. “Vucevic has been wasting away in Chicago for the last few seasons as the Bulls continue their perpetual playing of the play-in game. Vucevic fits the kind of team that the Hornets are trying to build. He’s an excellent rebounder and 3-point shooter, which is exactly the kind of player they need around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.”
Vucevic is coming off one of his best-ever seasons. In 73 appearances, he shone for the Bulls. The veteran big averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 53% shooting from the field and 40.2% from deep.
As we get closer to the trade deadline, Vucevic will undoubtedly draw interest from around the NBA. However, Chicago is unlikely to let Vucevic walk without having a viable replacement lined up.
Europe May Be Calling Vucevic After Bulls
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 will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He may choose to remain in the NBA if he can land with a contender. If not, there will be no shortage of offers from Europe. In fact, he would likely have a more prominent role in the Euro League.
Nevertheless, Vucevic may want to make a genuine run at an NBA championship. And if that is the case, signing with a contending roster makes the most sense. Of course, a lot will depend on whether he gets traded this season. As where he ends up may change what he does next summer.
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