Nov 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

'It Sucks for Me to Finish This Way' – Chicago Bulls Center Makes Retirement Announcement After FIBA EuroBasket Exit

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 9:17 AM ET

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic recently confirmed that he will retire from representing Montenegro in international basketball after this year’s FIBA EuroBasket tournament.

“It sucks for me to finish this way. It would have been great to get to the next round and play in Riga, but it is what it is,” Vucevic said after their knockout round defeat against Great Britain via BasketNews. “I want to thank my teammates, the coaches, the federation, and of course, the fans. It was an honor to play for my country, but now it is time for the next generation to leave its mark.”

The 34-year-old big man put up robust numbers in his final FIBA EuroBasket tournament, averaging 20.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 56.2 percent shooting from the field. Despite this, Montenegro exited the tournament early, as they were second to last in Group B.

Mar 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) defends Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Vucevic first suited up for Montenegro at the 2011 edition of EuroBasket and played in four EuroBasket tournaments and two FIBA World Cups. In 39 official FIBA matches, the Chicago Bulls center averaged 13.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

Chicago Bulls could reach a resolution with restricted free agent, per analyst

Josh Giddey remains a restricted free agent because he has yet to agree to a new contract with the Chicago Bulls this offseason. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Australian international might have to swallow his pride and accept what the team is offering him.

Mar 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) passes against Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

“The Bulls appear to believe they hold all the leverage with Josh Giddey, offering a contract thought to be in the $80 million range over four seasons. The team seems to think that’s too much for him to reject to take a one-year, $11.1 million qualifying offer,” Pincus wrote.

“The 22-year-old could risk a one-year qualifying offer and hope for a breakout season, but history suggests such gambles rarely pay the desired dividends in the NBA. The stalemate may resolve soon, but it’s challenging to see Giddey landing anywhere else this coming season outside of Chicago,” he concluded.