Chicago’s season has drawn to a close, and now the American media is buzzing about a potential trade involving Nikola Vučević—just as the Montenegrin center showcases some of his finest play.

With the Bulls concluding their season following a playoff defeat to Miami, Vučević recorded yet another double-double, marking the 11th of his career, with averages of 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.

Once again, our center stood out as one of the top players for the legendary team at the “United Center.” However, NBA insider Joe Cauley from the “Chicago Sun Times” suggests that the Bulls are contemplating trade options for Vučević heading into next season.

According to him, the Chicago organization has reportedly established Vučević’s value, and should no suitable offers arise, there is a strong possibility he may complete the final year of his contract with the Bulls.

The primary motivation behind Chicago’s potential decision to trade Vučević lies in his contract for the last season, valued at $21.4 million, as well as the fact that he will turn 35 this October.

As per U.S. reports, his three-year deal totals $60 million, divided as follows: $18.5 million for 2023/24, followed by $20 million for 2024/25, and concluding with $21.4 million for 2025/26.

On the flip side, the club is certainly aware that if Vučević remains, they benefit from a guaranteed “double-double machine” and an excellent mentor for young prospects like Josh Giddy and Matas Bouzelis.

The player from Bar tallied 59 double-doubles over 73 games this season, only outperformed by Domantas Sabonis, who achieved 61.

Given all these factors, Cowley posits that a more likely scenario is Vučević donning the red jersey with the number nine next season.

“Vučević, Giddy, and Kobe White may not form the league’s ‘big three,’ but they certainly represent the Bulls’ ‘big three,’ and they all have an intriguing summer ahead,” concludes the Chicago Sun-Times.

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