Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, who has been in the NBA for 13 years and is approaching his 34th birthday, has enjoyed a successful career so far. However, Vucevic recently indicated that his NBA career is nearing its end. Specifically, he plans to play for another four years: two more with the Bulls and then an additional two with another team or possibly the same team.
In an interview with Milun Nesovic of Meridian Sport, the USC alum expressed that while he is aware of his 13-year tenure and the imminent conclusion of his career, he is focused on his immediate future. “I know I’ve been in the NBA for a long time, and I don’t expect to play another 13 years,” Vucevic said. “I plan to spend two more years with Chicago, and after that, I’d like to continue for another two years. I believe I can perform at a high level for that duration, and we’ll see what happens after that. Right now, I’m not dwelling on it too much.”
Vucevic is currently in the final year of his three-year, $60 million contract. It is uncertain whether he intends to re-sign with the Bulls once his current deal expires (assuming he remains with the team). Regardless, it is evident that Vucevic still has a lot to offer and aims to continue his career for several more years.
Last season, Vucevic averaged 18 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
The Bulls organization was expected to undergo significant changes this offseason. In recent seasons, they have been a middle-of-the-pack team in the Eastern Conference with no clear direction. This summer, changes did occur, notably with the Bulls trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. Additionally, center Andre Drummond returned to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the most significant move was the departure of star DeMar DeRozan. Through a sign-and-trade deal, DeRozan left Chicago after three seasons to join the Sacramento Kings.
In July, it was suggested that if DeRozan departed, Nikola Vucevic might be the next player to leave the Bulls. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported, “There’s a growing belief around the league that if DeRozan exits, the Bulls could consider trading Vucevic and focus more on a youth movement and roster retooling.”
As September approaches, Vucevic is still with the Bulls, and it seems increasingly unlikely that he will be traded before the start of the new season.
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