Celtics Land Nikola Vucevic in Trade with Bulls, Add Veteran Size to Frontcourt Rotation
The Boston Celtics made a move Tuesday that speaks volumes about where they see themselves heading into the back half of the season - and what they still need to get there. In a deal with the Chicago Bulls, Boston acquired veteran big man Nikola Vucevic in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. The teams also swapped second-rounders in the process.
For the Celtics, this is about more than just adding a name - it’s about filling a void that’s lingered all season. Outside of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, Boston’s frontcourt has been thin, especially when it comes to size and experience. Vucevic immediately changes that.
Vucevic Brings Stability, Skill, and Size
At 35, Vucevic isn’t the same player who earned two All-Star nods during his Orlando Magic days, but he’s still highly productive. This season with Chicago, he’s averaging 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while shooting 50.5% from the floor and an impressive 37.6% from deep. That kind of efficiency, especially from a big who can stretch the floor, fits right into Boston’s offensive system.
But it’s not just about scoring. Vucevic remains one of the league’s most reliable defensive rebounders - a key area where the Celtics have struggled at times. His presence should help shore up second-chance opportunities for opponents and bring some much-needed balance to Boston’s interior defense.
And let’s not overlook availability. Vucevic has been a model of durability, playing in 48 of 50 games so far this season and appearing in at least 73 games in each of his last four years with the Bulls. That kind of consistency is invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.
A Frontcourt Rotation That Suddenly Has Options
The Celtics have leaned heavily on Queta and Garza this season - and both have delivered. Queta is averaging 10.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, while Garza has chipped in 7.7 points and 4.3 boards. Both are having career-best campaigns and have earned their minutes, but the lack of veteran depth behind them has been a concern.
Boston hasn’t used Xavier Tillman or Chris Boucher much, and has often gone small when forced to adjust. With Vucevic now in the mix, head coach Joe Mazzulla has a more traditional big he can plug into the rotation - someone who can anchor the paint, space the floor, and keep the offense flowing.
Whether Vucevic is a long-term piece in Boston is still up in the air. He’s on an expiring contract, so this could be a short-term rental, but if things click, there’s a real possibility he sticks around beyond this season.
For now, though, he answers a pressing question: What happens when the Celtics face elite frontcourts in the playoffs? Now, they’ve got a veteran who’s been in the fire before.
Simons’ Short, Impactful Stint in Boston Comes to an End
On the other end of the deal, Anfernee Simons heads to Chicago after a brief but impactful run in green. Acquired in the offseason as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, Simons averaged 14.2 points and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 44% from the field and 39.5% from three.
His offensive skill set was never in question - he’s a proven scorer who can light it up in a hurry - but what stood out during his time in Boston was his growth on the defensive end. Simons came in with a reputation as a liability on that side of the ball, but he put in the work and earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.
“It was just a matter of learning the system,” Mazzulla said last month. “He adapted to the unknowns - changing substitution patterns, different play calls, different defensive coverages - and he took pride in that.”
Simons’ best moment in Boston came in January, when he dropped 39 points in a comeback win over the Miami Heat. He also held the best plus-minus in the NBA in December, a stat that speaks to his overall impact on the floor. He hit the 20-point mark nine times this season and was a steady presence off the bench.
Financial Flexibility for a Contender
Beyond the basketball fit, this trade also helps Boston’s front office breathe a little easier. By moving Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract and taking on Vucevic’s $21.5 million expiring deal, the Celtics shed nearly $5 million in salary. That gets them below the first apron - a notable milestone in the Joe Mazzulla era - and brings them within $6 million of being under the luxury tax altogether.
The result? Boston’s tax penalty drops from $39.5 million to $17.7 million. That’s a significant savings for a team that’s already spent big to build a contender - and it gives them more flexibility for future moves, whether at the trade deadline or in the offseason.
What Comes Next
The Celtics didn’t just make a move for the sake of making one. They targeted a specific need - size, experience, and rebounding - and addressed it with a proven veteran who fits their style of play. Vucevic may not be the long-term answer, but he’s the right piece for right now.
Meanwhile, Simons gets a new opportunity in Chicago, where he could take on a larger role and continue his development as a two-way guard.
For Boston, it’s another calculated step toward a deep playoff run. The pieces are coming together - and with Vucevic in the mix, the Celtics just got a little tougher in the paint.