Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic knows that rumors are part of life in the NBA. However, Vucevic doesn’t spend much time worrying about them, even when trade and buyout rumors swirled around him this offseason.
“The Bulls’ GM (Marc Eversley), who had contacted me after all the rumors about me, confirmed that nothing was true and that everything we had said to each other after the season was still relevant,” Vucevic said. “I knew it but it’s always nice when your GM contacts you to tell you.”
When asked if he expects to start the season with Chicago, Vucevic said “Yes, I have almost no doubt about it” but acknowledged he doesn’t know where the season will take him. As for speculation about a potential buyout, Vucevic said he doesn’t get caught up in rumors.
“There are always rumors. Most of them are false. It’s a bit of nonsense. For example, the buy-out was misinterpreted in Europe: the journalist wrote that if there was no ‘trade’ during the season, there might be a ‘buy-out’ option before the ‘deadline’,” Vucevic said. “I know how the business works: in the last year of a contract, there is always speculation. Since I can’t control anything, I try not to worry about it.”
Vucevic said he’s not setting a timetable on how much longer he wants to play. The veteran center did say that his goal is to win an NBA title, while saying he doesn’t know what the future will hold beyond this season.
“I haven’t set myself an age limit. As long as I’m physically well, motivated and have a role on the pitch that suits me, I hope to continue playing. I feel very good physically and mentally. I’m coming off a very good season,” Vucevic said. “I’m entering the last year of my contract with Chicago. After that, we’ll see what opportunities and roles are offered. I know that sooner or later my role will evolve, and I am ready to accept that. I think I still have a few good years ahead of me.”