Nikola Vucevic contemplates his future as $21.5M contract looms over Bulls’ playoff hopes
Nikola Vucevic, the two-time All-Star center for the Chicago Bulls, shared insights about his career trajectory during the team’s media day on Monday. At 34 years old, Vucevic is in the final year of a $21.5 million contract that is ripe for movement, making him a potential target for teams seeking flexibility in the center position. As a skilled sharpshooter and a surprisingly durable player, he presents an intriguing option for franchises looking to bolster their frontcourt.
What lies ahead for Vucevic?
The question of Vucevic’s future looms large as the Bulls navigate their roster dynamics. He is eligible for a veteran contract extension until the start of the 2026-27 season, yet Chicago appears to be leaning toward a youth-centric approach, prioritizing development over veteran experience. This raises speculation about whether Vucevic’s 15th season in the league could also be his last.
However, Vucevic has no immediate plans to step away from the game. “Retirement is not on my mind,” he stated during his press conference, signaling his intent to continue competing at a high level.
Last season’s performance
Last year, Vucevic showcased his talents across 73 games, posting averages of 18.5 points with impressive shooting splits of .530 from the field, .402 from three-point range, and .805 from the free-throw line. He also contributed 10.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Despite his solid performance, the Bulls finished with a 39-43 record and once again found themselves in the play-in tournament, only to be eliminated before reaching the playoffs.
While Vucevic’s contributions were significant, he has struggled to address some of the team’s core issues. His slower pace and limited vertical leap hinder his ability to guard the rim effectively. In modern NBA play, where offensive versatility is critical, being primarily an offensive center—unless you’re a three-time MVP like Nikola Jokic—poses challenges. Even Jokic has shown proficiency in man-to-man defense that Vucevic has yet to achieve.
Bulls’ playoff outlook amid Eastern Conference turmoil
As Vucevic embarks on his sixth season with the Bulls, the team’s prospects remain generally unremarkable. However, the current landscape of the Eastern Conference presents unexpected opportunities. The Bulls might inadvertently miss out on a prime lottery pick by being competitive enough to secure a playoff spot in a weakened conference.
Three All-Stars from the East—Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, and former Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard—suffered significant Achilles injuries during last spring’s playoffs. Their absence could reshape the playoff picture, with Haliburton already ruled out for the season and Lillard indicating he expects to miss the entire year.
Although Lillard has been waived and is now rehabilitating with the Portland Trail Blazers, his injury forced the Bucks into drastic measures, such as waiving him and absorbing $22.5 million in salary over the next five seasons without securing an All-Star-caliber replacement to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks may still hold an advantage over the Bulls, but the Celtics and Pacers could find themselves in a similar situation, missing their top players. Chicago, despite not making significant improvements over the summer—trading Lonzo Ball for the more available Isaac Okoro and drafting two developmental prospects, Noa Essengue and Lachlan Olbrich—might have a legitimate shot at clinching a top-six seed in the playoffs.
As the season approaches, the Bulls’ ambitions and Vucevic’s future remain intertwined, with both navigating the unpredictability of the Eastern Conference landscape.
