The Chicago bull is reportedly approaching a two-time All-Star Nikola Vsevic acquisition, but one insider urged fans to pump the brakes. He believes trade is more likely.
When the Chicago Bulls try to rebuild around the recently built Young Core, veteran center Nikola Vousevic is a strange guy.
Last season, he averaged 18.5 points per game, the most in his full season at Windy City, earning a career-leading 40.2% from the 3-point range. However, the bull was unable to exchange him.
Teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers were the most obvious landing spots, but with only one league contract and interest remaining, it shows that the Bulls must agree to a buyout with the Star.
Vucevic is a talented and offensive center. He has defensive limitations, but the Bulls are expected to find a deal before they are bought this season.
Just because Vucevic was not traded last season doesn’t mean the Bulls can’t find suitors this season.
As players get injured, crime fades, and the playoffs approach, they suddenly need to add solid rebounders that can make the floor space.
“It was speculated that the Bulls could buy him, so it was summarised that they were going to buy him imminently and that wasn’t happening,” insider KC Johnson said. “I can clearly tell you that it’s not happening.”
For now, despite the success of individual seasons, his worth has never diminished. The Lakers are honing DeAndre Ayton and the Warriors are honing Al Horford, adding even fringe candidates like the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and the Milwaukee Bucks to the frontcourt.
Still, there is a possibility that a lot of things could change between now and February.
“I think he has trade value as we approach the February 2026 trade deadline,” Johnson predicted. “It was well documented that the Bulls shopped him at the February 2025 trade deadline. If they can’t find a trade package between now and February, the Bulls will probably be entertaining their shopping.”
The acquisition is highly likely, but the Bulls have not done themselves with the urgency that was initially reported.
Vucevic is the last year of his contract. After averaging efficient double-doubles, he will certainly get an NBA offer in free agency next summer, but his defensive limitations will make him stay away from the biggest players again.
Last season, it was reported that the Bulls were only seeking a second pick, but the rumors were filled with scrutiny and the asking price could have been much higher.
With time to flip him, the Bulls have the first half of the season to establish his worth, but as soon as a good offer comes along the way, they can’t afford to wait.
Vucevic is a year’s loan to a team with playoff hopes, and his score should be enough to help in the postseason, but he’s not a long-term work and the Bulls have no choice of offer.