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Nikola Vucevic on his trade from the Orlando Magic: ‘It was time for something new to happen.’

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 22: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center on October 22, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pelicans 128-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bulls took the first step towards making their franchise a contender again by acquiring Nikola Vucevic at last season’s trade deadline. The 6’10 center became a two-time All-Star while playing for the Orlando Magic. Vucevic became the player & man he is today in Orlando and sounded off on his trade to Chicago ahead of his first return to the Magic.

Trades can often sour the relationship between players and franchises in the NBA. However, Vucevic says the deal which saw him traded to Chicago was all above board, with regular communication between himself and the franchise.

“Yeah, it wasn�t a situation where they traded me out of nowhere. It was something that we discussed a lot, and it was mutually agreed. It wasn�t a situation where they told me I wasn�t going to get traded and then I get traded. A lot of it came from my communication with them, so it wasn�t a surprise for me.”

Nikola Vucevic

Vucevic joined the Magic as a 21-year-old, having spent his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Swiss-born big man averaged 19.5 points and 11.4 rebounds per game across eight and a half seasons with Orlando. Furthermore, those impressive stats led to All-Star selections in 2019 & 2021.

Vucevic grew up as part of the Orlando Magic, and the 31-year-old admits he will never harbor any bad feelings towards the franchise.

“Never will I ever have any bad feelings toward Orlando, it will always be positive. It was time for the team to go in a different direction, it was time for something new to happen. It wasn�t working the way we wanted, and I think it worked out for both parties in the end.”

Nikola Vucevic

Friday night will see Vucevic return to face Orlando for the first time as a Bull. Consequently, his entire family is coming in for the game, and Vucevic knows it will be an emotional evening for him.

“It�s definitely going to be a tough game for me, I think, emotionally. To see all the people that I built a great relationship with all those years � some of my ex-teammates, as well. It will be great to be back there, for sure. I�m sure there�s going to be a lot of emotion that I have to control as the game goes on.”

Nikola Vucevic

In addition to Vucevic’s return, the Bulls are looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to the Houston Rockets last time out. They are looking to claim their 13th win of the season & claim second place in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, If Vucevic can keep his emotions in check, Chicago has a great chance at victory.

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