Nikola Vucevic Is Still Getting It Done-But For How Long in Chicago?
Nikola Vucevic is doing what he always does: showing up, putting in work, and delivering when it counts. But for the Chicago Bulls, his steady presence comes wrapped in a tough question-should they keep leaning on their veteran big man, or move him before the trade deadline in hopes of reshaping the roster?
That internal tug-of-war was on full display in Wednesday’s nail-biter against the Utah Jazz. The Bulls had watched a 12-point lead evaporate late in the fourth quarter.
Then came a scramble-a missed shot by Coby White, a hustle play by Isaac Okoro, and a sharp pass from Tre Jones to a cutting Vucevic under the rim. Vucevic finished it with ease, sealing a two-point win.
It was a moment that summed up his role in Chicago perfectly: the reliable veteran who always seems to be in the right place, doing the right thing.
And yet, trade rumors continue to swirl.
The Bulls’ Most Reliable Piece-And Trade Chip
Vucevic is reportedly on the trade block again, with the February 5 deadline looming. The Bulls already tried to move him over the summer but couldn’t find a deal. Now, they’re back in the same spot-shopping a player who, ironically, might be the most stable part of their season.
At 35 years old and in his 14th NBA season, Vucevic has been as dependable as ever. He’s averaging 16.9 points and 9.6 rebounds over 40 games, missing just one due to a sore knee. In a season where the Bulls have dealt with constant injuries and lineup shuffles, Vucevic has been the ironman holding things together.
But his value goes beyond the box score. He’s a steadying force for a young team still trying to find its identity. Whether it’s coming up big in tight wins-like against Portland or Washington-or calling out the team for “playing soft,” Vucevic brings leadership that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.
Head coach Billy Donovan sees it too. After Wednesday’s game, he pointed out how Vucevic mentored rookie Matas Buzelis, who played just 18 minutes and sat out the fourth quarter.
“Vucevic was even trying to talk to Matas during the game about the focus and the detail, and I really appreciate him doing that,” Donovan said. “For someone who’s young to be around him to see how he prepares is really invaluable.”
That kind of leadership is hard to replace-especially for a franchise that’s been cautious when it comes to big roster changes.
If You Trade Him, Who Replaces Him?
Here’s where things get tricky. If the Bulls deal Vucevic, they’ll need a real plan to fill the void. With Zach Collins’ injury status still uncertain, and the front office’s history of conservative moves, finding a quality frontcourt replacement won’t be easy.
Names like Anthony Davis feel like a pipe dream-his injury history alone makes him a risky target. Jonathan Kuminga could be an interesting long-term play, but it’s unclear if Golden State would even entertain that conversation.
And would the Bulls be willing to part with draft picks or valuable expiring contracts to make something happen? That’s a big ask for a front office that hasn’t exactly been aggressive in reshaping the roster.
Still Producing-But With Limits
Vucevic is coming off a 35-point performance against Utah-his highest-scoring game of the season. He added seven rebounds and two blocks, and now ranks second in franchise history (behind Artis Gilmore) for most 30-point games by a center.
Donovan was quick to praise him.
“I mean, he plays, he plays, and I have such respect for him,” Donovan said. “I get a chance to see it every single day.
He’s in there. He’s working on his body.
He’s lifting… Practice is over, and you know where he goes? He’s up on the treadmill running.
He doesn’t need to do that at 35 years old.”
That work ethic is rare, and it’s part of what’s kept Vucevic so consistent-he’s averaged between 17 and 18 points for five straight seasons. But as steady as he’s been, the Bulls haven’t been able to turn that individual success into team success.
And the cracks are starting to show.
The Defensive Struggles and Efficiency Drop
Vucevic’s defensive shortcomings have become harder to ignore. With a defensive rating of 117.7, he ranks 59th among 84 starting centers, according to NBA stats. Opponents are targeting him in the paint, and the Bulls’ interior defense is paying the price.
Offensively, he’s still producing, but the impact isn’t what it used to be. His -2.8 plus/minus is the lowest of his tenure in Chicago.
According to Cleaning the Glass, the Bulls are scoring 5.2 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. That’s a troubling trend-especially for a team that’s stuck in the middle of the pack.
Vucevic had five strong seasons in Orlando where his presence consistently lifted the team. But in Chicago, the numbers suggest the opposite. And that’s the heart of the dilemma: can the Bulls afford to keep a player who’s reliable but may be limiting their ceiling?
What’s Next?
The Bulls have two clear paths. If they trade Vucevic, they need to do more than just shed a veteran contract-they need a real plan to shore up the frontcourt. That means finding a player who can offer both production and long-term upside.
If they keep him, they can’t just keep doing what they’ve been doing. They’ll need to build a rotation that supports him defensively and maximizes what he still brings to the table. Half-measures won’t cut it anymore.
Vucevic is still getting it done. He’s still showing up, still mentoring, still giving the Bulls a chance to win on any given night. But with the deadline approaching and the franchise stuck in neutral, the Bulls have to decide: is he part of the solution, or the last piece of a puzzle that no longer fits?