Nikola Vucevic Intends to Remain in NBA as Free Agency Nears
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Veteran center Nikola Vucevic said he expects to sign another NBA contract when he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of June, dismissing any notion of a return to Europe.
“I plan to be in the NBA, to stay there until the end of my career. I expect there will be an offer,” the 35-year-old told Montenegrin outlet Vijesti.
Vucevic joined the Boston Celtics at the February trade deadline in a deal that sent Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls. Boston sought an experienced reserve big man for the postseason, and Vucevic averaged 23.4 minutes in his first 11 appearances before a fractured finger kept him out until the final week of the regular season.
He struggled in the playoffs, posting 6.2 points and 4.3 rebounds over 19 minutes per game while shooting 37.8% from the field and 29.2% from three-point range during Boston’s first-round loss to Philadelphia.
The Celtics are widely expected to look for additional frontcourt depth through trades or free agency, leaving Vucevic’s future with the club uncertain. He earned $21.5 million last season but remains optimistic about his market.
“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,” he said. “What’s being mentioned in the media is, for some reason, speculation.”
Vucevic also confirmed he has ended his international career and will not play for Montenegro in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Source: Hoops Rumors
