It’s only mid-November, but the trade rumor mill is already heating up in Chicago. With the Bulls sitting at 9–8 after a streaky start to the 2025–26 season, all eyes are on veteran center Nikola Vučević, one of the most intriguing early trade chips on the market.
Nikola Vučević’s Production and Contract Make Him a Prime Deadline Target
At 35, the two-time All-Star is still producing at a high level while playing on a manageable expiring contract. That combination, league insiders believe, could position Vučević as a major focal point ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that Vučević is seemingly certain to generate external interest. The veteran big man is averaging 49.5% shooting from the field and a scorching 40.7% from 3 through 16 games — his second straight season clearing the 40% mark from deep.
Such efficiency, combined with his 6-foot-10 frame, rebounding presence, and ability to space the floor, makes him one of the league’s most valuable short-term adds.
“Chicago’s Nikola Vučević continues to be an offensive force at age 35,” Fischer wrote. “He’s making better than 40% of his 3-pointers for the second consecutive campaign and is seemingly certain to generate external interest on an expiring contract worth a comparatively modest $21.4 million.”
The Bulls’ weekend win over the Washington Wizards was a perfect snapshot of his value. Vučević dominated with 28 points and 12 rebounds, a reminder that even at this stage of his career, he remains a dependable, high-IQ offensive hub.
His contract of three years, $60 million, signed in 2023, runs through the end of this season, at which point he becomes a free agent. For contenders seeking frontcourt depth without sacrificing long-term flexibility, that profile is ideal.
Fischer added that multiple rival executives have noted the trade-friendly contract, fueling speculation about potential Chicago plans. With several other expiring deals on the Bulls’ roster, the franchise has the flexibility to retool or pivot midseason if needed.
Bulls Circles Around Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Davis
Where things get even more interesting is the Bulls’ rumored interest in other star big men. According to Fischer, rival executives have openly wondered whether GM Artūras Karnišovas could pursue Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis.
The fit is clean: Sabonis is an elite playmaker, interior scorer, and one of the league’s best rebounders — an archetype Chicago has explored before.
There is also renewed chatter linking the Bulls to 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis. The Dallas Mavericks’ big man hails from Chicago, and with reports that the Mavs might explore Davis trade avenues, the Bulls naturally re-enter the conversation.
Fischer noted that several rival executives have pointed to Nikola Vučević’s trade-friendly contract and other expiring deals on Chicago’s roster, which has prompted speculation about whether Bulls general manager Artūras Karnišovas might pursue Domantas Sabonis. He added that similar curiosity is circulating about the Bulls potentially attempting to bring Anthony Davis back to his native Chicago.
The Bulls’ 2025-26 season has already featured a dramatic five-game winning streak followed immediately by a five-game slide. They’ve stabilized somewhat, thanks largely to Vučević’s momentum, but their place in the standings could swing the front office’s approach.
If the Bulls decide to reshape their roster, Vučević’s expiring contract and steady production may become the centerpiece of a busy deadline season.
