The last three seasons have pushed Chicago to one of the most consistently mediocre franchises in the NBA. They have rapidly fallen out of relevancy, as proven by the declining number of nationally televised games and top-market free agents signing with the team. Each of the last two seasons has resulted in a 39-43 record; three years ago, they stood at 40-42. The trio of subpar seasons ended with an NBA Play-In Tournament spot that failed to result in a playoff berth. Long story short, the Bulls are stuck in the league's bottom-dwelling pack until they can find a franchise-altering talent in the draft, or acquire one via free agency or trade. Enter Nikola Vucevic, who could be the key to flipping the script of the organization's trajectory.
Trying Out For His Next Team
The writing is on the wall for Chicago's 6'10" center to finish this season in a different uniform. He's 35 years old, entering the final year of his contract, and has made it known in years past that his goal before retirement is to make a deep postseason run with NBA Championship aspirations. The Bulls will be nowhere close to contention during his tenure with the team, and his only chance of achieving that goal would be to play elsewhere. Each of the last two trade deadlines has been splattered with trade talks surrounding the stretch five, yet he remains in red and black. Now he represents the only player on the roster over the age of 30, and there will be several suitors at the trade deadline looking to add an expiring contract big man with veteran presence and an abundance of experience.
“I do think he will have trade value as we get closer to the February 2026 trade deadline.”@KCJHoop gives us the latest on Nikola Vucevic and his future with the Bulls 👀
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) August 1, 2025
THE FASTBREAK OUT NOW ➡️ https://t.co/D6Nj3nQ9sG pic.twitter.com/KtK1ZPFoYC
Suppose Vucevic can come close to any of the figures he has put up in recent memory, over 18 points and 10 rebounds per outing over his previous two campaigns. In that case, he'll be a hot commodity in February. Last year, he posted 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds on over 40% shooting from three-point land and over 53% from the field. Even at age 34, he proved a valuable asset to a contending franchise.
Estimating His Value
What is the precise value of a 35-year-old center on a three-month rental? In years past, players of similar value could be seen swapped for young, unproven talents or second-round draft capital. Vucevic could inch closer to borderline All-Star trade value or potential starter level stock due to his experience and continued consistent production. Finding a stretch-center who posts 18 points and 10 boards per outing is not easy; Chicago's ideal situation would be to host a bidding war for his services.
"I'm NOT buying the notion that there is no market for Vooch."@TheSteinLine believes Bulls center Nikola Vucevic could still be a trade candidate before next season's deadline.
— CHGO Bulls (@CHGO_Bulls) July 28, 2025
Thoughts, Bulls Nation? pic.twitter.com/bVzEXaEfLr
Whatever fashion the end of the rope happens between the Chicago Bulls and Vucevic, they need to extract as much value as possible before the last of their veterans from the previous five years are gone. The handling of the Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic era may be enough to show Arturas Karnisovas the door in Chicago.
