Nikola Vučević Will Begin Next NBA Season With Chicago Bulls, Doesn’t Know What’ll Happen After That

Nikola Vučević expects to begin the 2025-26 NBA season with the Chicago Bulls, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2022.

Vučević has one year left on his contract. He will make $21.4 million next season. The Bulls acquired the veteran from the Orlando Magic in March 2021.

“Yes, I have almost no doubt about it,” Nikola Vučević said if he expects to start next season in Chicago, via Basket USA. “That’s the mindset I’m preparing with. Afterwards, we’ll see, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

A two-time All-Star, Vučević averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Bulls last season in 73 games. He shot 53.0% from the field, 40.2% from beyond the arc and 80.5% from the free-throw line. The USC product recorded 45 double-doubles and one triple-double.

Vučević, who turns 35 in October, has career averages of 17.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists with the Philadelphia 76ers, Magic and Bulls. He wants to compete for an NBA title.

“I’d like to try to play for a team that has ambitions to win the NBA title,” Vučević said. “In Europe, it’s easier to join a big team, but in the NBA, it’s complicated because of the rules and trades.”

The Bulls are nowhere near close to competing for a championship. They are just 3-8 in the playoffs since trading 2011 MVP Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks in 2016. Chicago traded All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night in 2017.

Vučević doesn’t know how much longer he’ll play. He’s been in the NBA since 2011.

“I haven’t set an age limit for myself,” Vučević said. “As long as I’m physically fit, motivated, and have a role on the field that suits me, I hope to continue playing. I feel very good physically and mentally. I’m coming off a very good season.

“I’m entering my final year of contract with Chicago. After that, we’ll see depending on the opportunities and roles offered. I know that, sooner or later, my role will evolve, and I’m ready to accept that. I think I still have a few good years ahead of me.”