The Chicago Bulls are clearly heading in a new direction. And with the franchise entering what appears to be a longer-term reset, there is little doubt that Nikola Vucevic will not be part of the picture past the 2026 trade deadline.
Vucevic is entering the final year of his contract, and while the Bulls have yet to find a suitor in a potential trade, the expectation around the league is that one way or another, he will be moved. If no trade emerges by February, a buyout seems to remain very much in play. The former All-Star is not a long-term fit with the way this team is being restructured, and his salary slot becomes more valuable to Chicago in the form of future flexibility than as a fading presence in the rotation.
This situation is not all that surprising when you consider how the front office has approached this offseason. The Bulls are now building around a younger backcourt led by Coby White and Josh Giddey, and they seem intent on emphasizing athleticism, pace, and positional versatility.
That has never really been Vucevic’s game, and even at his best, he was a more traditional center who operated through finesse, touch, and half-court skill. That player still has value, especially for contending teams in need of experience or depth at the five, but the fit in Chicago has run its course.
The Vuc era may finally be nearing an end
There was once a time when trading for Vucevic represented a bold, aggressive push by the Bulls to build a competitive core. But the reality is that the roster built around him never quite peaked the way the front office had envisioned.
Between injuries, inconsistency, and a league that has continued to get smaller and faster, Vucevic’s presence became less impactful over time. Last season, he posted fine numbers but found himself more frequently out of rhythm as the Bulls continued to tinker with their rotations.
It would not be surprising if a team in need of size and scoring from the bench took a flyer on him before the deadline. That could be a playoff-caliber group looking for second-unit stability or even a younger team in need of a veteran presence. The market may not be robust, but it is unlikely that Chicago walks into March still paying a player they have clearly outgrown.
Vucevic’s time in Chicago is coming to an end, and the only real question now is whether that end will arrive via trade or buyout. The fanbase has been asking for this move for quite some time, and it feels safe to say the Bulls will be moving on.