Nikola Vucevic Open to Extending NBA Career, Weighs Retirement on Season-by-Season Basis

At 34, Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has no set timeline for retirement and remains committed to playing as long as he feels physically and mentally strong. While he acknowledges the possibility of a reduced role in the future, the veteran insists he still has much to offer on the court.

“I haven’t set myself a limit,” Vucevic said in an exclusive interview with Stats Perform. “As long as I feel good and motivated, and have a suitable role, I hope to keep playing.” He added that he feels strong after a productive season and is motivated to extend his career beyond the current contract.

Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011, Vucevic spent over eight years with the Orlando Magic before joining the Chicago Bulls in 2021. Despite offseason rumors linking him to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Montenegrin center confirmed his commitment to finishing his deal in Chicago. Currently, he is the 23rd-oldest active player in the league.

Vucevic is coming off one of his best campaigns in recent years, averaging 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds across 73 appearances last season. His consistency has been a hallmark, with only two of his past eight seasons falling below 18 points per game. Despite his solid play, the Bulls’ season ended in disappointment, bowing out of the play-in tournament to the Miami Heat.

Looking ahead, Vucevic admitted that adapting to a different role could be part of his evolution as a player. “I understand that I may end up with a role that’s different from what I’ve had so far,” he noted, signaling flexibility as he enters the later stages of his career.

Beyond the NBA, Vucevic is preparing for his fifth EuroBasket with Montenegro in 2025, which he expects to be his last international tournament. “I never say 100%, because you never know if I’ll change my mind,” he said, but pointed to the challenges of balancing NBA commitments and family time as reasons to step back from the national team.

For Vucevic, family remains a priority. A father of three, he emphasized the importance of summer breaks to spend more time with his children while managing the heavy demands of the NBA season.

As he enters his 14th year in the league, Vucevic continues to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. For now, he remains focused on contributing to the Bulls while leaving the door open to prolonging a career defined by consistency and resilience.