Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has been in the NBA for the last 13 years. The soon-to-be 34-year-old has enjoyed a solid career in the league so far. However, Vucevic recently made it clear that the end of his NBA career is approaching. More specifically, Vucevic plans on playing in the NBA for another four years.
In an interview with Milun Nesovic of Meridian Sport, the USC alum says he wants to play two more years in Chicago, followed by another two years after that.
“I’m aware that I’ve been in the NBA for 13 years, and that the end isn’t far away. I don’t believe I’ll play another 13 years, but I have two more years with Chicago, and after that, I’d like to play two more. I think I can continue at a high level for that long, and after that, we’ll see. I’m not thinking much about it right now.”
Vucevic has two years remaining on his three-year, $60 million contract. It is unclear if Vucevic plans on re-signing with the Bulls once his contract is up (assuming he is still on the team by then). Regardless, it is clear that the big man has a lot left in the tank and wants to stick around for a while.
Last season, Vucevic averaged 18 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Chicago Bulls Veteran Reveals Retirement Plans
Nikola Vucevic Popped Up in Numerous Trade Rumors
There was a lot of anticipated change in the Bulls organization this offseason. For the past few seasons, they have been a mid-tier team in the Eastern Conference with no true direction. That was expected to change this summer, which it pretty much has. This offseason, the Bulls traded Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. Additionally, center Andre Drummond re-joined the Philadelphia 76ers this summer. However, by far the biggest move the Bulls made was moving on from star DeMar DeRozan. Via a sign-and-trade, DeRozan left Chicago after three seasons to join the Sacramento Kings.
In July, reports indicated that, if DeRozan left, Vucevic would likely be the next Bulls player gone.
“Furthermore, if DeRozan leaves, there’s quietly a growing belief around the league that Chicago could look to move center Nikola Vucevic and lean further into a youth movement and roster retooling, league sources told HoopsHype,” Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported.
However, as we approach September, Vucevic remains a member of the Bulls. At this point, it seems unlikely the team will trade him by the beginning of next season.
The Last Word On Nikola Vucevic
Vucevic is possibly one of the most underrated NBA players of the last decade. Especially during his time with the Orlando Magic, he was an extremely effective and exciting player at his peak. Vucevic is a two-time NBA All-Star and finished top 10 in Most Improved Player voting three times in his career. While another All-Star appearance is likely not on the table for Vucevic, he is still a solid big man who can help a contending team.
