NBA News: Chicago Bulls fans saddened by Nikola Vucevic’s parting message

The Chicago Bulls made some big changes to their roster this week. The team traded veteran center Nikola Vucevic, along with a second-roound pick, to the Boston Celtics for shooting guard Anfernee Simons and a future second-round pick.

At 35 years old, Vucevic has been a key player for the Bulls. He consistently delivered solid scoring and rebounding throughout his six seasons in Chicago. This season, he averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, proving he is still a consistent double-double threat. 

During his time with the Bulls, Vucevic was always among the top players in scoring, rebounding and efficiency. He provided a strong inside presence even when the team faced challenges in the playoffs.

On the other hand, the 26-year-old Simons brings a fresh dynamic to the Chicago Bulls—a guard who can score. He averaged 14.2 points per game with the Celtics during the 2025–26 season before being traded. He is well known for his three-point shooting and versatility on offense. 

For the Celtics, adding Vucevic bolsters their frontcourt with his veteran size, rebounding skills, and ability to stretch the floor. It will make them even more formidable as they prepare for a postseason run.

Nikola Vucevic says goodbye to Chicago Bulls fans after trade

After the trade, Vucevic took a moment to say a heartfelt goodbye to Chicago Bulls fans. In his emotional message posted on X on Friday, he shared how grateful he was for the fans, the city and the organization.

Vucevic described his stint in Chicago as an “honor to represent the Bulls.” He said he and his family will “truly miss this city and all the incredible people we met along the way.”

“Thank you for welcoming me and my family 5 years ago. It was an honor to represent the Bulls, a historic franchise, and to play in front of some of the best fans in the world at the United Center! While I hoped we could have achieved more together on the court, I will always be grateful for my time there and for everything this chapter gave me,” Vucevic wrote. 

“To the Bulls staff who I had the pleasure of working closest with – a special THANK YOU for the support… You all mean so much to me and those relationships will always be bigger than the game,” he added.

Chicago,

Thank you for welcoming me and my family 5 years ago. It was an honor to represent the Bulls, a historic franchise, and to play in front of some of the best fans in the world at the United Center!

While I hoped we could have achieved more together on the court, I will…

— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) February 6, 2026

Bulls fans saddened by Nikola Vucevic’s departure

Fans quickly reacted, flooding social media with messages of appreciation and sadness.

 “Your professionalism and how you carried yourself did not go unnoticed. One of the best Bulls to ever play Center. Salute ,” a fan commented on his post.

 “This one hurts, thanks vuci mane ,” another said.

 “Come back ,” a reaction read.

 “I may not have always said the nicest things about you but you will be missed here Vuc ,” a user posted.

 “We have nothing but love for you,” a supporter wrote.

 “ Dont forget us man, it was a privilege watching you play… we appreciate you!,” said another.

Most fans understand the business side of NBA trades. However, there was still a collective emotional reaction to watching a longtime player depart from a team that had come to feel like home.

The move marks the end of an era in Chicago, but Vucevic’s legacy as a reliable scorer, strong rebounder and respected teammate will be fondly remembered by Bulls fans for many years to come.

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