Growing up in Serbia, Nikola Vučević always dreamed of basketball greatness. His father, a former pro, inspired his ambition. Born in Morges, Switzerland, and raised in Belgium, the then Vucevic junior grew up seeing his father play. But, when he was making it to the NBA, did anybody know he would become one of the dominating non-American players?

Vucevic has had really good memories with the Chicago Bulls. However, his service with the Bulls is in question if rumors are to be believed. But did you too wonder how much he earns here, and what is his gross besides his past earnings?

What is Nikola Vucevic’s contract with the Chicago Bulls?

Nikola Vucevic’s journey with the Chicago Bulls began in 2021. When the Orlando Magic traded him in March 2021, to the Bulls in exchange for Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and two future first-round picks, no one knew this journey would become so legendary. Now there are no brownie points in guessing why, because you know his skills became essential for the Bulls, providing them with a reliable center and veteran presence. And since then, he has become the focal point for the Bulls. Before we talk about his salary with the team, this is to remind he had signed a $60 million contract with them in 2023, which includes full guarantees.

With an average annual salary of $20 million, the veteran center became one of the higher-paid players on the roster. This financial commitment from the Bulls is a sign of belief from their end. However, below is the breakdown of his contract.

His first-year deal began in the 2021-2022 season, and Vucevic’s cap hit was significant. But, since 2023-2024, his contract added more value. He made $18.5 million, representing 13.61% of the team’s salary cap. Now you might think it’s small, but that’s not a small amount. Still questioning why? Considering the league’s total cap and the luxury tax concerns for the Bulls, that’s an impressive amount. However, looking at the next season, there’s a rise.

From the 2024-2025, Vucevic’s salary increased to $20 million. This bump in pay reflected his performance and continued importance to the Bulls’ championship aspirations. As he turned 34 years old, his leadership skills became even more essential. He was expected to pass on his wisdom to younger players while maintaining a strong presence on the court. With this increase, the Bulls ensured he remained in the mix for their long-term future.

By the 2025-2026 season, the Serbian’s salary will again jump to $21.5 million, and these are a part of the $60 million contract. Despite entering the latter stages of his career, his contract terms are clear. And no matter where he heads next, he has earned the trust and returned the investment of the organization. As his playing career wound down, his legacy in Chicago was becoming more secure.

As a veteran, Vucevic knew how to handle the pressures of big contracts and expectations. And as he heads toward his potential free agency in 2026, the hooper’s financial worth and on-court value have been significant. He’s not just a player; he has been a cornerstone for the Bulls, securing his financial and professional future in the NBA.

In sum, Vucevic’s past reflects his consistency and the impact he leaves behind. And for his time in the Bulls, his financial earnings have mirrored his value to the team. From the trade to the contract negotiations, Vucevic has shown that his presence in Chicago was never about just basketball stats. It was about leadership, skill, and a solid investment in the future. But, with all the glory he had at Chicago, was it the same at his former teams? Let’s look into his salary with the Magic and 7ers.

How much did Nikola Vucevic make with the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers?

Nikola Vucevic’s journey with the NBA was a little different. After the lockout ended, he signed his rookie deal with the 76ers in December 2011. He earned $1.6 million for his first season. His rookie scale contract wasn’t glamorous, but today we know where he stands. However, over the next couple of seasons, the Serbian had a pretty decent paycheck.

By his second year, his salary increased to $1.7 million. The 76ers saw promise in the 21-year-old, but Vucevic’s time in Philadelphia was short-lived. Nevertheless, it opened doors for something bigger. By October 2014, the Orlando Magic, wanted a change in their roster. So they made Vucevic their centerpiece.

And guess what? He was a part of them, as he signed a four-year, $52 million deal. This was the moment he realized the league believed in him. However, with them, he was no longer a player trying to make it big. In his first season with Orlando in 2015-16, he earned $11.25 million.

As each season passed for 2016-17, his salary increased to $11.75 million, and by 2017-18, he was earning $12.25 million. The increased salary proves him as a solid contributor to a leader in the locker room and on the court. However, by 2018-19, he was the team’s most reliable player, earning $12.75 million. But wait, the star was yet to unlock his true potential.

In 2019, after showing his true worth, Vucevic signed a huge deal. In recognition of his commitment, he received a four-year, $100 million contract with the Orlando-based team. Well, this made him one of the league’s top centers. In his first season under the new deal, he earned $28 million. This was so special because when he was a rookie he earned over $1 million to now he was making $28 million a season. But, next season his stars dropped a little shine.

His salary dropped slightly to $26 million, but it didn’t change his importance to the Magic. By then, the hooper had built a reputation as one of the most consistent and respected big men in the NBA.

As he stands today with the Chicago Bulls, Vucevic has made roughly $156 million till 2023. And in the same year, he signed a $60 million contract for 3 years, taking his total earnings to $234 million till 2025-26, and this is just from the NBA signings. Well, his career wasn’t about the money. It was about the growth he had experienced, the challenges he overcame, and the trust he had earned from his teams. From the young, uncertain player in Philadelphia to the trusted veteran in Orlando, and a Bulls’ backbone, Nikola Vucevic’s story was one of perseverance and determination.