The Boston Celtics made a bold move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring veteran big man Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls. And according to longtime Celtics radio voice Cedric Maxwell, it’s a deal that benefits both sides.
Let’s start with what Boston is getting. Vucevic, 35, isn’t just a seasoned vet - he’s a two-time All-Star who’s still putting up solid numbers.
He’s averaging 16.9 points on 50.5% shooting, knocking down 37.6% of his threes, while also pulling in 9.0 rebounds and dishing out nearly four assists per game. That’s not just production - that’s versatility.
He brings size, rebounding, and a reliable perimeter shot, which fits right into a Celtics system that thrives on spacing and ball movement.
In exchange, the Bulls land Anfernee Simons - one of this season’s more productive secondary scorers - giving Chicago a younger offensive weapon to help reshape their backcourt. It’s a classic win-win: Boston gets a floor-spacing big who can help anchor the frontcourt, and Chicago gets a dynamic guard to build around.
But the bigger story in Boston might not be who just joined the team - it’s who might be coming back.
Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ franchise cornerstone, has been sidelined since May 2025 and remains undecided about returning this season. Cedric Maxwell, who recently spoke with Tatum, described the star forward as “unsure” and still weighing the decision.
“That’s the million-dollar question,” Maxwell said. “I don’t know where he’s at. Talking to him, he seems undecided, like he’s unsure at the moment.”
Tatum himself recently opened up about the internal debate during an appearance on The Pivot podcast. His hesitation isn’t about health or readiness - it’s about chemistry.
With Boston off to a strong 31-18 start through 49 games, led by Jaylen Brown’s MVP-caliber campaign, the team has found a rhythm. Tatum doesn’t want to disrupt that.
“That’s something I’m contemplating every day,” Tatum said. “More so about the team.
If or when I do come back this season, like they would have played 50-some odd games without me. So they have an identity this year or things that they've felt that has clicked for them, and it's been successful, right?
Third team in the East up to this point.”
It’s a rare level of self-awareness from a superstar - and it speaks to the culture Boston has built. Still, the addition of Vucevic could be a game-changer in more ways than one. Not only does he give the Celtics a reliable post presence and a pick-and-pop threat, but his arrival might also signal to Tatum that the front office is fully committed to going for it this year.
Boston’s defense has been elite, and now with another offensive weapon in the mix, they’ve got the pieces to make a serious run - with or without Tatum. But make no mistake: if he does decide to rejoin the squad, the Celtics go from contender to legitimate title favorite.
The clock’s ticking toward the postseason, and the Celtics are loading up. Whether Tatum decides to step back in or continue to watch from the sidelines, Boston just made it clear - they’re not waiting around.