The Boston Celtics are making a calculated move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring veteran center Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons. The two sides will also swap future second-round picks, rounding out a deal that’s as much about fit as it is about finances.
Let’s start with the basketball side of things. Vučević brings a reliable interior presence to a Celtics team that, while deep in the backcourt, has been a bit thinner up front.
His skill set-low-post scoring, rebounding, and the ability to stretch the floor with a respectable midrange and occasional three-adds a new dimension to Boston’s frontcourt rotation. He’s not the defensive anchor that Kristaps Porziņģis or Al Horford can be in spurts, but Vučević offers a steady, experienced option who can eat minutes and contribute offensively without needing the ball in his hands.
That’s important for a Celtics squad that’s built around Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and a system that thrives on ball movement and spacing. Vučević fits into that puzzle without disrupting the flow.
As for Simons, his time in Boston was short but impactful. The 26-year-old averaged 14.2 points per game and gave the Celtics’ second unit a serious scoring jolt.
His shooting and playmaking off the bench helped turn what was once considered a weak spot into a legitimate strength. Head coach Joe Mazzulla consistently praised Simons for embracing his role and bringing a winning mindset, even as he adjusted to fewer touches and minutes than he was used to in Portland.
But the writing was on the wall from the moment Simons arrived in Boston. Acquired in July as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, Simons came in with a hefty $27.7 million expiring contract-a number that always made him a prime candidate for a midseason move.
With the Celtics sitting $12.1 million over the luxury tax threshold, shedding salary was a necessity. Simons’ deal offered the clearest path to relief.
There’s also the looming return of Tatum to consider. Whether the All-NBA forward comes back from his Achilles injury this season or next, his presence naturally shifts the offensive hierarchy. With Tatum back in the fold, there’s less need for additional playmaking off the bench, especially from a high-usage guard like Simons.
Meanwhile, Boston’s frontcourt-while buoyed by pleasant surprises like Neemias Queta and Luka Garza-still lacked a consistent, veteran big who could log meaningful minutes in a playoff setting. Vučević checks that box. He may not be a game-changer, but he’s a steady hand, and for a team with championship aspirations, that matters.
This deal doesn’t just help the Celtics on the court-it helps them on the books. Vučević’s $21.5 million expiring contract is a more manageable figure as Boston looks to navigate the increasingly punitive luxury tax landscape. It’s a subtle but important part of the equation, especially for a team already deep into title contention mode.
In the end, this is a classic example of a team making a move not out of desperation, but out of strategic necessity. Simons gave Boston what it needed in the short term. Now, Vučević gives them what they’ll need for the stretch run-and possibly the postseason.