Nikola Vucevic Opens Up on his Status With the Bulls Heading Into the New Season

The Chicago Bulls are dealing with plenty of contract issues this off-season, but a report earlier in the summer revealed they'd found a way out of one. According to some reports in recent times, the team was preparing to release veteran center Nikola Vucevic if a trade partner couldn't be found, potentially ending his tenure in Chicago.

We've heard little since then, but now, Vucevic himself has addressed all the trade rumours, and unsurprisingly, he confirms that they were indeed, false.

"A week ago, the Bulls GM confirmed that none of it was true... I already knew that, but it’s always nice when your GM calls you to say it."

He didn't stop there, however, as Vucevic noted that he's used to all of the rumours given how expected they are in the final year of a contract, revealing that he's not bothered by them anymore.

"There are always rumors. Most are false. It’s a bit of nonsense... I know how the business works: in the final year of a contract, there is always speculation.

Since I can’t control it, I try not to stress about it."

This appears to be a very clear message from Vucevic that he's dedicated to the Bulls and that the GM wants him there, and with the team hoping for a playoff push, he'll be a key part of that.

After this season, however, Vucevic will officially become a free agent, and we'll see what his NBA future holds beyond that moment, but for now he's dedicated to the Bulls, with the team expressing their loyalty to him as well.