Bulls' stance on Nikola Vucevic buyout is crystal clear

The Nikola Vučević buyout discourse immediately spiraled out of control following NBA Insider Jake Fischer's speculation that waiving the 34-year-old big man was a possibility for the Chicago Bulls. A little over a week ago, Fischer said, "I think at this juncture, we're probably more likely to see a Nikola Vučević buyout midseason than we are to see a trade…" during a live stream on Bleacher Report.

Aggregators soon presumed a forthcoming buyout was in the works. Yet, Fischer's assertion was merely speculative, considering trade talks surrounding the former two-time All-Star had died down. Vučević's midseason suitor, the Golden State Warriors, had reportedly all but abandoned their interest in acquiring Vooch, as they continue to deal with more pressing matters.

Nikola Vucevic is far more likely to be traded than bought out

Signs have pointed to a buyout in the absence of confirmed suitors. But that's not how the Bulls operate. Chicago hasn't bought out many players in recent decades, especially not expensive ones. The most recent buyout that comes to mind is Torrey Craig, who was on the books for merely $2.7 million a season ago.

Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson said it best: "The franchise historically has frowned upon buyouts; they do not typically take that route." Instead, Johnson expects the Bulls to reconsider trading Vučević ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.

Johnson's expectations closely align with those of NBA Insider Marc Stein, who adamantly stated, "I'm not buying the notion that there is no market for Vooch." Stein backed up his statement by listing Vučević's impressive statistics and reiterated arguably the big man's most obvious selling point, his expiring contract.

While persuading a team to take on Vučević's contract last season wasn't all that simple, it'll become considerably easier come February. The big man is due $21.4 million next season, which ranks 17th among centers' annual contract value, before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2026. Trading for the 34-year-old big man midseason comes with no strings attached.

Johnson backs this theory and even goes as far as to say, "I do think he will have trade value as we get closer to the February 2026 trade deadline." It's not a long shot to assume Vooch's trade value will be higher than ever this upcoming season, despite the fact he'll have turned 35 years old before the beginning of the season.

Vučević's game was always made to age gracefully. He's a skilled post-scorer and more-than-capable marksman who doesn't rely on athleticism to make an impact. The 34-year-old has been one of the Bulls' most consistently impactful players over the years, but his services are no longer needed in the Windy City.

Vučević is the lone Bull on the wrong side of the 30, and his fit isn't as clean on the newest iteration of the run-and-gun Bulls led by Josh Giddey and Coby White as it was next to Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Chicago has already begun infusing its roster with defensive playmakers. Expect an interior deterrent to be next on the Bulls' wishlist. However, it might not be anytime soon. If trade cannot be finalized, Vučević will play out next season as a Bull.