The Chicago Bulls are once again expected to explore trade possibilities for center Nikola Vucevic after a second straight play-in exit.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the franchise will try to move the veteran big man this offseason, with Zach Collins or a rookie potentially stepping in as the temporary starter.
Vucevic averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over 31.2 minutes per game during the 2024-25 campaign.
He is entering the final year of a three-year, $60 million contract signed in 2023, which could enhance his trade value as an expiring deal.
The 34-year-old was involved in trade rumors for much of the season but ultimately finished the year in Chicago.
The Bulls were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, concluding a 39-43 season and missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Cowley added that while the Bulls will look to move Vucevic during the summer, a deal could be more likely near the 2025 trade deadline due to the nature of his contract.
Chicago finished ninth in the East with a negative point differential and a defensive rating that ranked among the league’s bottom tier.
Team president Artūras Karnišovas faces pressure to retool a roster that hasn’t advanced past the first round since 2015.
The franchise may look to add a younger rim protector in the upcoming draft, potentially signaling a shift in direction.
