The Chicago Bulls are once again expected to explore trade options for veteran center Nikola Vucevic during the upcoming offseason.
The 34-year-old big man is entering the final year of the three-year contract extension he signed with the team in 2023, making him a likely trade candidate as the Bulls weigh their long-term roster plans.
Vucevic is set to earn $21.5 million for the 2025–26 season, a figure that may be more palatable to teams seeking a skilled frontcourt presence on an expiring deal.
With his contract winding down, the two-time All-Star could be a more attractive asset this summer or even ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, as teams often value expiring deals for both cap flexibility and short-term impact.
Chicago reportedly came close to moving Vucevic at this past season’s trade deadline, engaging in serious talks with the Golden State Warriors.
However, the two sides were unable to finalize terms, and the deal ultimately fell through.
Still, the near-deal signaled that Vucevic’s name remains active in trade discussions.
Should the Bulls move on from Vucevic, it’s anticipated that veteran backup Zach Collins would step into the starting center role.
Collins has shown flashes of promise and could be a stopgap solution – or even a longer-term answer – depending on how Chicago shapes its roster.
Additionally, the Bulls are expected to explore other avenues to bolster their frontcourt depth, including using their pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to select a young center who could develop into a key piece of the future core.
As the team continues to navigate a transitional phase, Vucevic’s future in Chicago appears increasingly uncertain, with both his contract situation and team direction pointing toward a potential move in the months ahead.
Bulls To Look To Trade Nikola Vuceivc This Offseason https://t.co/8MnsBGK5lg
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 20, 2025
