Persistent rumors that the Chicago Bulls could buy Nikola Vucevic out of his current contract have been silenced by the two-time All-Star. Speculation continues to mount in terms of what the future may hold, but for the time being, it appears as though one commonly theorized option is off the board.
Based on a conversation that Vucevic had with Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas, a buyout simply isn't in the cards.
Vucevic, 34, has been a commonly mentioned name in trade and buyout rumors throughout the 2025 offseason. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report noted that Chicago would consider buying the big man out if a trade couldn't be completed.
During an interview with Lukas Katilius of BasketNews, Vucevic revealed that Karnisovas directly informed him that he shouldn't pay any mind to the rumor that he's a buyout candidate.
"He has always been pretty open with me. Even just a couple of weeks ago, when the buyout news came out, he actually texted me to tell me not to worry about it and not to read into it," he said.
Much could change between now and the Playoff Eligibility Waiver Deadline, but it appears as though Vucevic remains in the Bulls' plans—or at least that he won't be bought out.
Nikola Vucevic informed by Bulls he won't be bought out
Vucevic is commonly regarded as one of the NBA's most likely players to be traded. Part of the reasoning is that he's a productive and versatile offensive player and rebounder coming off of one of the best individual seasons of his career.
Vucevic finished the 2024-25 regular season averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.4 offensive boards, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 1.8 three-point field goals on .530/.402/.805 shooting.
With this in mind, it's easy to understand why Chicago is interested in holding on to Vucevic for the 2025-26 season. He's a reliable scoring option, rebounder, and playmaker on a team that otherwise ranks among the youngest in the NBA.
That's one of the primary reasons so many believe Vucevic could be traded or bought out, however, as it's fair to question if he fits the Bulls' timeline.
Vucevic is 34 years of age on a team that projects to have a starting lineup with no other starter older than 27. Furthermore, he has an expiring $21,481,481 contract that could prove invaluable as a trade asset if Chicago prioritizes a player or draft asset with long-term value.
It's also worth questioning if Vucevic would be willing to re-sign with the Bulls at 35 years of age in 2026 if they haven't taken a clear step forward as far as contending is concerned.
In saying that, the idea that Chicago would buy Vucevic out if they can't complete a trade appears to be false. The 34-year-old has received direct confirmation of that from the Bulls' front office and has now made it public knowledge.
It can't be overstated that the circumstances could change between now and Mar. 1, but Vucevic appears to be locked in as a key Bulls player who will be traded if sent elsewhere.