The Boston Celtics didn’t just make a trade this week-they made a statement. By dealing Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls, Boston not only reshaped its roster but also opened up a significant financial tool: a $27.7 million traded player exception (TPE). That’s a big-time asset in the NBA’s current economic landscape, and it gives the Celtics some real flexibility heading into the stretch run-and beyond.
The Anatomy of the Deal
Let’s break it down. The Celtics were able to absorb Nikola Vucevic into a $22.5 million TPE they previously created when Kristaps Porzingis was sent to Atlanta.
That move allowed them to generate a new, even larger exception tied to Simons’ salary. The result?
Boston now has a $27.7 million TPE they can use over the next year.
This doesn’t mean they’ll rush to use it-especially since Simons is expected to take a pay cut in free agency-but it does mean they’ve got a powerful mechanism to either absorb a big salary or piece together multiple contracts without sending out matching money. In a league where cap gymnastics often dictate who can contend, this is a chess move, not a checkers play.
What’s Next? Eyes on Chris Boucher
Don’t expect Boston to be done dealing. Chris Boucher’s name is already floating around as a potential next move.
He’s played just nine games in green and white and is on a modest $2.2 million expiring deal. Multiple teams, including the Phoenix Suns, have reportedly shown interest.
If the Celtics can find a deal before Thursday’s trade deadline, great. If not, a buyout could be in play.
That route would let Boston preserve its second-round picks, which could come in handy later. Either way, Boucher’s time in Boston appears limited.
The Luxury Tax Dance
Financially, the Celtics are walking a tightrope. They’ve managed to slip below the first apron, but they’re still $5.8 million over the luxury tax line. Getting under that line this season-and staying there next year-would reset the repeater tax, which is a huge win in the long term.
But to make that happen, Boston would need to do more than just move Boucher or Xavier Tillman Sr. They still need to carry at least 14 players on the roster, and trimming salary without sacrificing depth is always a delicate balance.
Tillman, in particular, is a respected vet who played a role in last year’s championship run. Moves like these aren’t just about numbers-they’re about locker room chemistry, too.
Vucevic’s Role and Future
Now, about Nikola Vucevic. The two-time All-Star brings a veteran presence and a high basketball IQ, but the big question is how he fits into the Celtics’ rotation.
Will he take Neemias Queta’s spot in the starting lineup? That seems unlikely-at least for now.
Vucevic himself seems to understand the situation. Before the trade, he acknowledged that his role might shrink as his career progresses.
“I might take on a smaller role on a team. Come off the bench, things like that.
I’m fine with that,” he said Tuesday morning.
With Queta playing well alongside the starters, Boston may opt to keep things steady. But Vucevic’s presence gives them a reliable, skilled big who can contribute in a variety of ways-especially come playoff time.
Looking ahead, Vucevic is on an expiring $21.4 million contract. He’ll likely command less on his next deal, and if he fits well in Boston-on and off the court-there’s a chance he sticks around.
The Celtics have seen how valuable a veteran center can be. Just look at what Al Horford has meant to this team.
What This Means for Tatum
There’s an elephant in the room: Jayson Tatum’s return. While the Celtics haven’t ruled out a comeback this season, there’s no guarantee he’ll be back before 2026-27.
Rehab isn’t just physical-it’s mental and emotional, too. One setback could shift the entire timeline.
So while some might interpret this trade as a signal that Tatum’s return is imminent, the reality is more nuanced. The Celtics made a move that helps them regardless of Tatum’s status.
They slashed their luxury tax bill from $39.5 million to $17 million. They dropped below the first apron.
They’re positioning themselves to reset the repeater tax. All of that matters whether Tatum suits up in April or not until next fall.
And yes, this deal also means Payton Pritchard slides back into a sixth-man role-a spot he’s proven he can thrive in. If Tatum returns, this roster reconfiguration could look even better. But that’s a bonus, not the baseline.
Saying Goodbye to Simons
As for Anfernee Simons, his short stint in Boston made a lasting impression. He came in determined to shed the “empty stats” label and prove he could contribute to winning basketball. Mission accomplished.
“He has made a conscious effort to play winning basketball,” Jaylen Brown said after a recent win over the Hawks. “I give him all the respect in the world.”
Brad Stevens echoed that sentiment. “He’s a quiet guy, but just a super person...
I think he’s made great strides in the months he’s been here,” Stevens said. “And I’m a big fan.
I like him a lot.”
Simons evolved in Boston. He became more of a two-way player, embraced his role, and earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans. Off the court, his family found a home within the Celtics’ culture-a culture that values character as much as talent.
Now, as he heads into free agency, Simons leaves Boston a better player than when he arrived. He sacrificed shots, played defense, and bought into the team concept. That kind of growth doesn’t go unnoticed.
The Bottom Line
This trade was about more than just swapping names on a roster. It was about creating flexibility, managing the books, and preparing for whatever comes next-whether that’s a playoff push without Tatum or a deeper run with him back in the fold.
The Celtics didn’t just add Vucevic. They added optionality, financial breathing room, and a path toward long-term sustainability. That’s the kind of move that doesn’t always make headlines-but it often makes a difference when it matters most.