Dec 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) stands on the court during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Nikola Vucevic confronts frustrations as Bulls navigate tough season

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Dec 16, 2025 5:49 PM ET

Nikola Vucevic has found himself under intense scrutiny this season. Entering the final year of his contract with the Chicago Bulls, he has been surrounded by constant trade speculation. According to Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune, the pressure is taking its toll. The team is struggling, Vucevic’s defensive impact has been limited, and the nonstop trade chatter has left him drained.

Despite everything, Vucevic is questioning why he is still in Chicago.

“It’s not always easy, to be honest with you, when the team is struggling, when you are struggling, when things are not going your way,” remarked the Bulls big man. “It’s happened a couple times now and sometimes it’s hard. Those questions do creep into your mind and you think about it and you get caught into it, especially when things are not going well. I think it’s natural, it’s human nature, but you just have to find a way to limit it as much as possible.”

Nikola Vucevic’s frustration with the Chicago Bulls

On Sunday, the Bulls dropped a 114-104 contest to the New Orleans Pelicans, with Vucevic recording 12 points and eight rebounds. This season, he has been vocal about the team’s struggles, offering criticism even in games the Bulls managed to win.

“I’m not going to sit here and be like, ‘Nah, it’s not happened to me.’ It has. You get frustrated and you shut down. But you try to regroup and find a way to stay locked in because we all have a part in this,” Vucevic continued.

Dec 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) passes the ball during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Bulls brought Vucevic to Chicago in 2021 via a trade with the Orlando Magic, and two years later, he signed a three-year, $60 million extension with the team. Now 35, Vucevic has averaged 18.2 points per game over his six seasons in Chicago, while this year he is posting 15.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per contest.

However, his defense has been a clear weakness, something that has not escaped the notice of head coach Billy Donovan.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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