It's no secret that the Chicago Bulls have been trying to find a trade partner for Nikola Vucevic for quite some time. However, there appears to be limited interest from NBA teams in the veteran center.
Vucevic is on an expiring $21.5 million contract. While a playoff-caliber team in need of a center could make a move before the trade deadline, a buyout remains a realistic possibility, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
“I think at this juncture, we're probably more likely to see a Nikola Vucevic buyout midseason than we are to see a trade, depending on how the market unfolds,” he said.
A resolution to the Vucevic situation is not expected soon. But if the 34-year-old continues to draw little to no interest, it wouldn't be surprising to see a contract buyout materialize as the season progresses.
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According to Sportando, several European clubs are reportedly monitoring his situation in Chicago. If he is bought out and remains without a significant market in the NBA, the two-time All-Star could likely command a lucrative contract overseas.
Despite hesitation on the trade market, which is largely due to his salary, Vucevic has remained a consistent double-double threat throughout his career. Additionally, he can provide valuable floor spacing, having shot a career-best 40.2 percent from beyond the arc last season.
In 73 regular-season appearances during the 2024-25 campaign, the big man averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 three-pointers while shooting 53.0 percent from the field in 31.2 minutes per game.
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