Brad Stevens had no shortage of topics to tackle when he stepped up to the mic at the Auerbach Center on Friday morning. Just hours removed from a flurry of trade deadline activity, the Celtics' president of basketball operations laid out the thinking behind Boston’s moves - and what might still be ahead.
Let’s break it down.
Vucevic Brings Size, Skill, and Stability
The headline move? Boston shipped Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to Chicago in exchange for Nikola Vucevic and a second-rounder.
That wasn’t just a trade - it was a statement. Stevens made it clear: adding a true big was a top priority.
“When you look at who you have to go through, the paths you have to take, you just can't get worn down physically,” Stevens said. “We were going to be much smaller, and now we at least have big options.”
Translation: this is about playoff basketball. The Celtics know who’s waiting for them in the East - Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Jalen Duren - and they needed someone who could bang in the paint and hold his ground. Vucevic, a two-time All-Star with a career average of 10.4 rebounds per game, checks that box.
“When Vooch walks into the room, it looks different,” Stevens said. “He's big and long and strong and can be standing next to anybody in this league and not look small.”
Boston’s young bigs - Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and G League standout Amari Williams - have all shown flashes. But Stevens wasn’t going to roll into the postseason relying solely on promise. Vucevic gives them a proven interior presence who can rebound, score, and stretch the floor when needed.
Celtics Sneak Under the Luxury Tax - But That Wasn’t the Goal
One of the more interesting wrinkles from Thursday’s moves? Boston managed to slide just under the NBA’s luxury tax threshold. But Stevens was quick to clarify: that wasn’t the driving force behind the deals.
“There was no directive to get out of the tax,” Stevens said. “The directive was more, how can we best position ourselves to win now and then win later?”
Still, once the Simons-for-Vucevic deal put them below the first tax apron, the front office saw an opportunity to make a few more tweaks - including sending Chris Boucher to Utah, Josh Minott to Brooklyn, and Xavier Tillman to Charlotte - and reset their financial picture without touching the core.
“There was an opportunity two days before the deadline that we didn't think would be there,” Stevens said.
And while the savings are real, Stevens made it clear the Celtics won’t hesitate to spend again if the right move presents itself this summer.
“If there’s an opportunity to spend big and improve the team in the offseason, we’re going to try to take advantage of it.”
Two Roster Spots Open, and Boston’s Looking for a Ball-Handler
With four players outbound and only one (Vucevic) coming back, the Celtics now have two open roster spots. One of those could go to Ron Harper Jr., a two-way guard who’s impressed in the G League.
“We all think Ron is one of the best players in the G League,” Stevens said. “He’s a stud.”
As for the other spot? Stevens didn’t name names, but he did lay out the profile: they’re looking for a ball-handler. And yes, the buyout market is very much in play.
“We’ll ultimately fill the roster spot with at least one more ball-handler, and then see how the rest of our needs play themselves out,” Stevens said.
But don’t expect Boston to chase a big name just for the sake of it. Whoever signs on will need to accept a limited role - likely outside the regular rotation - and that’s not always an easy sell.
“Sometimes that eliminates guys with bigger reputations,” Stevens noted.
Tatum’s Return Still a Ways Off
And then there’s the Jayson Tatum situation.
The All-NBA forward is nearly nine months removed from a ruptured Achilles, and while he’s making progress, Stevens made it clear: there’s still ground to cover.
“He’s hit a lot of the thresholds, he’s doing more and more and will continue to do more and more,” Stevens said. “He’s still got a ways to go.”
Tatum recently spoke candidly on The Pivot podcast about the mental and physical hurdles of returning from such a serious injury - including uncertainty about how he’ll fit back into a team that’s found its rhythm without him. Stevens didn’t see the full interview, but he understands the mindset.
“That’s totally normal,” he said. “The best for Jayson Tatum to come back is when he’s 110 percent healthy, he’s fully cleared by everybody that matters in that decision, and he’s got great peace of mind and is ready to do it. That’s it.”
There’s no timeline, no pressure, and no internal clock ticking. When Tatum’s ready - truly ready - the decision will be made collectively.
“When it’s right, then we’ll all sit down and talk about it,” Stevens said. “But there’s still no force from us, no pressure from us, but there’s also not going to be any one of us saying, ‘Why don’t you just take another week?’ When he’s ready, he’s ready.”
Bottom Line
Boston made calculated, strategic moves at the deadline - adding size, flexibility, and financial breathing room without sacrificing the core of a team that’s built to contend. Vucevic brings physicality and veteran savvy, and the door remains open for further upgrades, especially in the backcourt.
As for Tatum, the Celtics are playing the long game - and rightfully so. This team has eyes on June, not February. And Stevens, as always, is steering the ship with one hand on the wheel and the other on the long-term blueprint.