The Boston Celtics didn’t wait for the buzzer to make a move ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline - they struck early and made it count. In a deal that addresses one of their most pressing needs, the Celtics have sent guard Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran big man Nikola Vucevic. The two teams also swapped second-round picks in the process.
Let’s break this down.
Boston Gets the Big Man It Needed
If there’s been one consistent concern hovering over this Celtics team, it’s been frontcourt depth. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have done well stepping into larger roles, but when you're chasing a championship, relying on young or unproven bigs can be a risky proposition. Enter Nikola Vucevic - a seasoned 15-year vet who brings both size and skill to a playoff-ready roster.
Vucevic is averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds over 48 games this season, and he’s knocking down threes at a 38 percent clip. That kind of floor spacing from a 6-foot-10 center is gold in today’s NBA.
He’s not just a stretch option either - he’s a reliable rebounder and a steady presence who can anchor second units or play alongside the starters in bigger lineups. Think of him as a potential Al Horford-lite for the stretch run.
Simons Shined, But the Fit Was Tightening
Anfernee Simons wasn’t just a throw-in - he gave Boston a real scoring punch off the bench. Since arriving from Portland in the Jrue Holiday trade last summer, Simons embraced a sixth-man role and delivered, including a 39-point explosion against Miami and a 27-point outing just days ago against Milwaukee.
But with Jayson Tatum nearing a return to the lineup, Simons’ window for consistent touches was about to narrow. Boston’s offense runs through Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis, and Simons - while electric - was always going to be the odd man out once everyone was healthy. This move clears up the rotation and gives Boston a piece it actually needs more.
Financial Flexibility Comes with the Deal
This trade isn’t just about on-court fit - it’s also a win on the books. By moving Simons’ $27.7 million salary and bringing in Vucevic’s $21.5 million deal, the Celtics shave off roughly $6 million in salary. That puts them below the first tax apron and gives them some breathing room if they want to explore the buyout market.
With that flexibility, don’t be surprised if Boston isn’t quite done yet. There’s already chatter about the possibility of moving Chris Boucher before the deadline, and if that happens, the Celtics could be in the market for a big guard to round out the roster.
A Reunion Comes Fast
Simons won’t have to wait long to face his former team - the Bulls visit TD Garden on February 11. That could be a spicy one, especially if Simons is looking to make a statement.
What This Means for Boston
This is a smart, calculated move by the Celtics. They’re not swinging for the fences here - they’re reinforcing the foundation.
Vucevic gives them reliable minutes, playoff experience, and a skill set that fits nicely alongside their stars. Simons was a luxury piece, and while his scoring will be missed in spurts, Boston is clearly prioritizing balance and depth over bench fireworks.
With the trade deadline looming on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, this might not be the last move we see from the Celtics. But even if it is, they’ve already made a meaningful one.