Nikola Vucevic has been a productive player for many years in the NBA. Last season was no different. In his fifth year with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. If that weren't enough, he also set a career-high on 40.2% shooting from three-point range. One would think teams would be lining up to land the former All-Star center in a trade. However, nothing has materialized despite Vucevic reportedly being available for months.
Teams just aren't willing to give up anything significant for him. His cap hit isn't overly exorbitant at $21.4 million. Yet the market remains dead. Golden State is out. Boston doesn't appear eager to do it, either. While Chicago may have no problem keeping him one more season since he's a free agent in 2026, the belief is that Vucevic would like to join a contender before it's too late. He turns 35 in October. According to Evan Sidery, the Bulls might consider doing something they almost never do.
Buying out Nikola Vucevic would be a rare departure for the Bulls.
Their owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, is notorious for being stingy with money. Spending $21.4 million just to ensure Nikola Vucevic goes away doesn't seem like something he'd be excited about. Still, it might be possible if he could be convinced that it is what is best for the team. Arturas Karnisovas is clearly pushing the franchise to be younger with an identity of athleticism and strong defense. Those aren't what Vucevic is about. While buying him out won't recoup a draft pick, it cleans his contract off the books and allows the team to focus on finding a center who fits their new identity while perhaps giving them more flexibility going into next offseason. Answers should be forthcoming within the next couple of months.
