By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
At 34, Nikola Vucevic is approaching what could be the final stretch of his career at the highest level. Between a decisive summer with Montenegro and another season looming with the Chicago Bulls, the veteran center took the time to reflect on his future.
Speaking to BasketUSA, Vucevic admitted he is considering stepping away from international competition after EuroBasket 2025, while still harboring big aspirations in the NBA.
“Maybe I’ll change my mind, but for now, I think Eurobasket 2025 will indeed be my last,” he told BasketUSA. “The next EuroBasket is only in two years. I’ll be 36, 37. I’d also like to focus more on my NBA career. With age, I have to think about my body and recovery, before starting a new season.”
The Montenegrin star, who will turn 35 in October, has seen his name frequently linked to trade rumors this offseason. Yet, he remains firmly focused on Chicago for now, while also keeping an eye on what lies beyond.
“A week ago, the Bulls GM confirmed that none of it was true and that everything we had agreed upon after the season was still valid,” he explained. “I already knew that, but it’s always nice when your GM calls you to say it.”
Asked if he expects to be a Bull when the season tips off, his answer was clear: “Yes, I have almost no doubt. That’s the mindset I’m preparing in. After that, we’ll see, I don’t know what will happen.”
Vucevic remains pragmatic about the speculation surrounding his future.
“There are always rumors. Most are false. It’s a bit of nonsense. For example, the buyout rumor was misinterpreted in Europe. I know how the business works: in the final year of a contract, there are always speculations. Since I can’t control it, I try not to stress about it.”
Still, the veteran doesn’t hide his ambitions for the last chapters of his career.
“I’d like to try to play for a team with ambitions of winning the NBA title. In Europe, it’s easier to join a top team, but in the NBA it’s complicated because of the rules and trades.”
Finally, Vucevic shared his joy in seeing his longtime friend Evan Fournier bounce back with Olympiacos
“I’m very happy for him. He had two tough years in New York and then Detroit. It was obvious he wasn’t happy, he didn’t have that spark for the game he usually has. Olympiacos, with its fans, its energy, did him a lot of good.”