Bulls All-Star Nikola Vucevic Open to Finishing Career in EuroLeague

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, who’ll be heading into his 14th NBA season in 2024-25, is open to a EuroLeague return once his opportunities stateside dry up.

The 6-foot-10 big man, who was born to Montenegrin parents but raised primarily in Switzerland and Belgium, began his pro career with Montenegro club Budućnost Podgorica during the 2011-12 Eurocup season.

During an interview with Iva Jevtic from B92 (hat tip to Basket News for the translation), Vucevic singled out one franchise in particular as his preferred post-NBA destination: Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

“I would love to play in the NBA for as long as possible. It’s the best league, with the best players and conditions,” Vucevic said. “At this moment, I’m not thinking about a return to Europe. If it ever happens, Crvena Zvezda would be the main favorite, but many things would have to fall into place.”

Vucevic currently is owed $41.5 million across his next two seasons with the Bulls, which would take him through his 15th year in the league. He was relatively productive and healthy for Chicago last year, but his drop-off as a shooter and his lack of speed or verticality have made him a bit of an albatross.

In 76 healthy games for the 39-43 Bulls, the veteran center averaged 18.0 points on .484/.294/.822 shooting splits, 10.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals a night.

It’s no secret that Chicago team president Arturas Karnisovas is looking to flip both Vucevic and fellow former two-time All-Star shooting guard Zach LaVine, although their ample contracts have made that a bit tough.

Read More: Bulls Still Striving to Trade Two Veteran All-Stars

“I’m a huge Crvena Zvezda fan,” Vucevic revealed. “I follow both Crvena Zvezda and Partizan, and I watch a lot of EuroLeague. As for Crvena Zvezda, they had a great season,” Vucevic said. “They managed to win all the trophies. Their performance in the EuroLeague didn’t quite meet expectations, but that’s okay.”

“I think this year’s team is better, and it’s better put together,” Vucevic continued. “I would like, as a fan, of course, for them to win all those trophies again and to have a better result in the EuroLeague. I think it would mean a lot and elevate the perception to an even higher level.”

A two-time All-Star while with the Orlando Magic, Vucevic has fallen off during the last few seasons of his Bulls tenure. A high-level passer at his position and a solid rebounder, Vucevic used to be a legitimate floor-spacing option.

During the 2020-21 season, which he split between Chicago and Orlando, the USC product connected on 40.0 percent of his 6.3 triple tries a night. Last year, Vucevic made a scant 29.4 percent shooting on 4.1 long-range attempts.