The Anfernee Simons era in Boston didn’t last long-but it sure left an impression. Now, it’s officially over.
The Celtics have reportedly sent Simons and a second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran center Nikola Vucevic and a second-rounder of their own. It’s a move that speaks less to star power and more to roster balance-and Boston’s need for size just outweighed its surplus of backcourt talent.
Let’s break down what this means for both the Celtics and Bulls, and why this trade could quietly shape the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
1. Simons gave Boston a spark-and he’ll be missed
Anfernee Simons made the most of his short stint in green. He arrived with questions about his fit and role, but he answered them quickly, embracing his job off the bench and providing instant offense.
He played with confidence, improved on the defensive end, and injected energy into Boston’s second unit. He was more than just a scoring guard-he was a rhythm-setter.
At just 26, Simons is entering his prime, and his best basketball may still be ahead. That’s what makes this trade a little bittersweet for Celtics fans.
He wasn’t just a throw-in; he was a valuable piece who helped fuel runs and provided real depth. His departure leaves a hole in Boston’s backcourt rotation that won’t be easy to fill.
2. Nikola Vucevic brings balance and veteran savvy
This wasn’t a move made lightly. The Celtics didn’t ship out a rising guard like Simons without getting something they truly needed-and Vucevic checks a lot of boxes.
He’s a skilled, modern big who can stretch the floor, score in the post, and facilitate from the high post. His passing, in particular, is an underrated asset that should help unlock even more movement in Joe Mazzulla’s offense.
Even at 35, Vucevic is still producing at a high level-averaging 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and nearly 4 assists per game. He’s not the defensive anchor he once was, but his offensive versatility and experience make him an ideal fit alongside the Celtics’ core. Expect him to slot in smoothly and make an impact from the jump.
3. This is a win-now move-and a safe one
This trade signals one thing clearly: Boston is in win-now mode. With the East as competitive as ever, Brad Stevens saw an opportunity to address a need without sacrificing the team’s identity or future flexibility. Vucevic brings a steady, veteran presence in the frontcourt-something the Celtics have lacked at times this season.
He also complements Neemias Queta well. While Queta has made huge strides, pairing him with a seasoned big like Vucevic gives Boston more options, especially in playoff situations.
Don’t be surprised if we see some double-big lineups with Vucevic and Queta sharing the floor, flanked by shooters like Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard. It’s a look that could give opposing defenses fits.
4. What does this mean for Queta and the rest of the frontcourt?
Joe Mazzulla now has a decision to make: does Vucevic start, or does he come off the bench like Simons did? Either way, it’s a good problem to have.
Vucevic’s résumé suggests he’ll start, but Queta has earned his minutes with strong, physical play in the paint. There’s also the question of how this affects the rest of Boston’s bigs-Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman, and Amari Williams may find themselves on the outside looking in.
One thing feels certain: Queta isn’t going anywhere. He’s been one of the Celtics’ most pleasant surprises this season, and his development has been a bright spot. Even with Vucevic in the mix, there’s room for both to contribute-especially with the playoffs looming.
5. The Celtics just got tougher-and more playoff-ready
If there’s been one consistent issue for Boston this season, it’s been their struggles against physical, paint-dominant teams. Opponents like Detroit and Houston have muscled their way to wins by exploiting Boston’s lack of interior size and physicality. That’s where Vucevic makes a difference.
He’s not going to shut down Jalen Duren or Jarrett Allen in a seven-game series, but he gives Boston a fighting chance in those matchups. He adds scoring punch down low and can help control the glass-two areas that have hurt the Celtics in key moments. And while he’s not a lockdown defender, his size and experience give Boston more options when things get gritty in the postseason.
Bottom line
This isn’t a blockbuster in the traditional sense, but it’s a trade that makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Bulls get a dynamic guard entering his prime, and the Celtics land a veteran big who fills a clear need. For Boston, it’s about staying in the hunt and shoring up the roster for what they hope is a deep playoff run.
Anfernee Simons gave the Celtics a spark, and he’ll be remembered fondly for it. But Nikola Vucevic brings the kind of balance and experience that championship teams lean on. And with the East heating up, Boston just made a move that could pay off when it matters most.