Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević continues to redefine his legacy at age 34, delivering career-high performances while navigating swirling trade speculation ahead of Thursday’s deadline. The Montenegrin big man has averaged 19.5 points on a blistering 54.6% shooting this season, including 39.4% from three-point range, while pulling down 10.4 rebounds per game – making him one of only six players league-wide averaging 19+ points and 10+ rebounds .
Contract Security Meets Trade Whispers
Despite signing a three-year, $60 million extension with Chicago in June 2023 , Vučević found himself at the center of trade discussions last week. The Golden State Warriors reportedly made a “significant push” to acquire the two-time All-Star before talks collapsed over package details . Bulls insiders note these negotiations laid groundwork for potential offseason moves as Chicago reshapes its roster.
Historic Shooting Efficiency
Vučević’s evolution as a stretch-five continues to impress:
- 60.9% effective field goal percentage ranks 19th in NBA
- Career-best 43-point explosion vs Warriors (Jan 15)
- 40-point performance vs Hornets (Jan 17) highlighted by 17 fourth-quarter points
The Bulls’ Dilemma
With Zach LaVine traded to Sacramento and Lonzo Ball’s injury-plagued tenure ending, Chicago faces pressure to either build around Vučević or cash in on his value. His $20M salary for 2024-25 remains team-friendly compared to comparable centers . Recent games show no decline:
| Date | Opponent | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2 | Pistons | 20 PTS / 11 REB / 10 AST (6th career triple-double) |
| Jan 17 | Hornets | Season-high 40 PTS / 13 REB |
