The Boston Celtics just made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, sending Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran center Nikola Vucevic. Both teams also swapped second-round picks as part of the deal.
This trade has been simmering beneath the surface for months. Boston had been linked to Vucevic going back to the early part of the season, and while Simons had carved out a productive role as the Celtics’ sixth man, his name had been circulating in trade rumors since he arrived in July.
Let’s unpack what this move means for both sides - and why the timing matters.
Celtics Get Their Center
For Boston, this deal checks a few boxes. First and foremost, it addresses a frontcourt need that’s been looming all season.
The Celtics have been kicking the tires on several big-name bigs, including Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ivica Zubac, but couldn’t close a deal. Now, they land Vucevic - a two-time All-Star who’s still producing at a high level even at age 35.
Vucevic is averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season - matching his career high in dimes - while shooting an efficient .505 from the field, .376 from three, and .838 from the line. That kind of offensive versatility from the center spot gives Boston another dimension, especially in half-court sets where spacing and ball movement are critical.
He’s also been durable, missing just two games this season. That availability matters for a Celtics team that’s had to navigate injuries across the roster, including the extended absence of Jayson Tatum.
Simons’ Exit: A Tough but Strategic Call
Anfernee Simons, meanwhile, was one of the few constants for Boston this year. He was the only player to appear in all of the team’s first 49 games, averaging 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting .440 from the field, .395 from deep, and nearly 89% from the line. That’s strong production from a bench role, and he earned respect throughout the organization for his consistency and professionalism.
But the writing was on the wall. Even with his solid play, Simons was viewed more as a trade asset than a long-term piece.
Boston had floated him in other offers, including a package for Zubac that reportedly included a first-round pick and a pick swap. That offer was turned down by the Clippers, and now the Celtics pivoted to Vucevic - giving up less draft capital in the process.
Financial Flexibility in Play
There’s also a financial layer to this move. By swapping Simons for Vucevic, the Celtics move below the first tax apron, though they remain $5.8 million over the luxury tax line.
That’s not insignificant. With the new CBA tightening the screws on high-spending teams, flexibility matters more than ever - especially for a contender like Boston that needs to keep its core intact while staying agile enough to make midseason adjustments.
What’s Next for the Rotation?
This trade opens up a few questions for the Celtics’ rotation. With Simons gone, does Payton Pritchard slide back into a sixth-man role if Tatum returns this season? Or does Boston lean into a bigger lineup with Vucevic playing more minutes alongside Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford?
And speaking of Tatum - is this move a signal that his return may not come until next year? The Celtics now have more flexibility to adjust on the fly, but how they deploy their roster down the stretch will depend heavily on Tatum’s timeline and how well Vucevic integrates into the system.
For the Bulls: A Bet on Simons’ Upside
From Chicago’s perspective, this is a move toward retooling with younger talent. Simons is still just 26 and has shown he can thrive in a scoring role. The Bulls get a dynamic backcourt piece who can shoot, create off the dribble, and potentially grow into a larger role - especially if they continue to reshape the roster.
Vucevic, while productive, didn’t quite fit the Bulls’ long-term trajectory. Moving him for Simons - and keeping the draft capital exchange limited to second-rounders - gives Chicago a chance to reset without a full teardown.
Bottom Line
The Celtics didn’t just make a trade - they made a statement. By acquiring Vucevic, they’re signaling that they’re all-in on making a deep playoff run this year, while also managing their financial future. It’s a smart, calculated move that shores up a key area of need without sacrificing core assets or future flexibility.
For the Bulls, it’s a solid return for a veteran big man, bringing in a younger guard who could be part of their next chapter.
We’ll see how quickly Vucevic acclimates to Boston’s system and what ripple effects this has on the rest of the rotation. But one thing’s clear: the Celtics aren’t standing pat. They’re pushing chips in - and doing it on their terms.