Despite growing speculation, the Chicago Bulls have no plans to buy out veteran center Nikola Vucevic, according to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson.
Johnson stated unequivocally that a buyout is “not happening” and emphasized that Vucevic remains part of the Bulls’ immediate plans heading into training camp.
“There was speculation that the Bulls might be buying him out,” Johnson said, clarifying that the rumors were misinterpreted and amplified without basis.
Vucevic, 34, is entering the final year of a three-year, $60 million deal and is coming off what Johnson described as his “best season as a Bull.”
He averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shot 40.2% from three-point range in 2024–25, remaining a productive contributor despite the team’s overall struggles.
Chicago explored moving the Montenegrin center at the 2025 trade deadline, with the Golden State Warriors showing the most serious interest at the time.
However, talks with Golden State stalled, and no deal materialized.
According to Johnson, the Bulls are still hopeful Vucevic’s contract can be turned into assets closer to the February 2026 trade deadline.
While some EuroLeague teams, including Crvena Zvezda and Panathinaikos, have begun monitoring his situation, no move to Europe appears imminent.
NBA insider Marc Stein also weighed in, rejecting the idea that there is no market for Vucevic, citing his spacing, durability, and experience as traits playoff contenders still value.
