Nikola Vucevic’s Bulls Tenure Feels Close to Being Over

Sometimes the writing on the wall speaks significantly louder than words or assurances, even if they come from the general manager themselves. For Nikola Vucevic, his Chicago Bulls tenure appeared to be closing during last season. The trade rumors surrounding the 15-year veteran were among the loudest in the league. The Bulls had already moved on from DeMar DeRozan, and then shipped out Zach LaVine mid-season. Vucevic was speculated to also be out the door, but ended up staying put in Chicago. Fast forward to the current offseason, and Vucevic’s name has again been in the rumors. However, according to him, Bulls GM Marc Eversley has told him that the rumors are nothing to put any stock in. That said, Vucevic acknowledges that despite his GM’s assurances, he knows his future could still change in the near future.

Nikola Vucevic’s Bulls Tenure Feels Close to Being Over

The 2025-26 NBA season could see Nikola Vucevic’s Chicago Bulls tenure end in a likely midseason trade

It has been no secret since last offseason that the Bulls were intent on breaking everything down and rebuilding the storied franchise. Ever since the Derrick Rose era, the Bulls have turned into one of the more moribund franchises in the NBA. They’ve consistently missed the playoffs. When they did make it, their hopes were ended abruptly. Not since Rose have the Bulls posed a threat in the East, and unfortunately, when the team brought DeRozan, LaVine, and Vucevic together, it didn’t change.

Vucevic will be heading into his sixth season in Chicago. By the way things are looking for the franchise as it pertains to the future, and all the trade rumors around Vucevic since last season, it’s looking more and more likely that this sixth season will be his last. In light of the rumors, though, Vucevic has received word from Everlsey that the noise means nothing. The gesture from his GM was appreciated by Vucevic. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a move won’t happen still, whether before the regular season starts or somewhere during. Vucevic isn’t focusing on that, though. He knows that while he doesn’t know what the future holds for him, he’s not getting caught up in the distractions.

“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.”

Now or later, Vucevic is likely on his way out

Chicago is not expected to be a playoff-contending team this season. If anything, they would return to the play-in round, which they did last year. To be a further competitor beyond that is far-fetched, though. The Bulls need a rebuild, and Vucevic, being 34 years old and entering his 16th season, isn’t likely to be a part of the plans. It’s hard to imagine him playing out the entire upcoming season as a Bull.

If at some point during the season the Bulls can find a suitable trade partner, Vucevic is bound to be gone. There are sure to be a handful of teams who could use his services. As for now, it has to be a nice headspace to live in if you’re Vucevic. He’s a veteran playing it right by not worrying about the things he can’t control. All he can control is how he plays at the start of the season. Playing well could lead to his ticket out of Chicago, regardless of the GM’s assurances.

 

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