By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Vucevic is actively preparing for the upcoming NBA free agency period, which officially opens on July 1st, to set up his 16th year in the league.
The 35-year-old Montenegrin center recently completed his 2025–26 journey split between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics. After moving to the C’s midway through the Regular Season, he transitioned into a frontcourt depth role, averaging a combined 15.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 64 regular-season games. Following a tough exit in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, the veteran big is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Despite rumors suggesting various landing spots, the two-time All-Star remains focused on securing a new contract to continue his career in North America. “I plan to be in the NBA, to stay there until the end of my career. I expect there will be an offer, that something will open up,” he clearly explained to Montenegrin outlet Vijesti on Monday. “I plan to stay.”
Vooch emphasizes that concrete decisions will only materialize once negotiations officially open next month. “When free agency starts, I’ll wait to see what offers I get, which clubs will be interested, and then I’ll decide what to do next. I don’t have much information for now, what’s being mentioned in the media is, for some reason, speculation,” he added.
While his focus centers entirely on his options as an unrestricted free agent, Vucevic has also clarified his status on the international stage. Having already ended his national team career at the conclusion of last summer’s EuroBasket 2025, he plans to support Montenegro from afar as a spectator during the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
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