The Boston Celtics just wrapped up one of the busiest trade deadlines in recent memory - and they didn’t just make noise, they reshaped the back end of their roster while creating real financial flexibility for the stretch run.
Let’s start with the headline move: veteran big man Nikola Vučević is heading to Boston from Chicago as part of the Anfernee Simons deal. Vučević, a two-time All-Star, gives the Celtics a skilled, experienced presence in the frontcourt - a clear response to the team’s need for depth behind Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford.
Vučević is still putting up strong numbers at age 35, averaging 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 50.5% shooting from the field and nearly 38% from deep. That kind of offensive versatility - especially from a big who can stretch the floor - fits beautifully into Boston’s system.
And with no injuries currently reported, expect him to suit up as early as Friday night’s matchup against the Heat at TD Garden.
But Vučević wasn’t the only move. Boston also trimmed its roster and payroll with a trio of trades involving the Jazz, Nets, and Hornets.
The Celtics moved on from Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher, Josh Minott, and Xavier Tillman Sr., clearing enough salary to get under the luxury tax line - a significant pivot for a team that had been staring down a projected $540 million tax bill just seven months ago. Now, that figure is down to $186.5 million, and Boston sits roughly $840,000 below the tax line.
That’s not just a financial win - it’s a strategic one. By opening up three standard-contract roster spots, Boston now has the flexibility to explore the buyout market and use 10-day contracts to patch holes or add veteran depth. Brad Stevens has some room to maneuver, and with the Celtics firmly in the championship conversation, every roster spot matters.
One of those new additions is Amari Williams, who had been on a two-way deal but was converted to a standard contract. The 6-foot-10 center brings size and rim protection, and while he’s still raw, Boston clearly sees enough upside to lock him into a full-time roster spot.
Another name to watch is John Tonje, who arrives on a two-way contract after being acquired from Utah. Tonje was a second-team All-American last season at Wisconsin and was drafted 53rd overall by the Jazz.
He’s been lighting it up in the G League with Salt Lake City, averaging 18 points and shooting 37.6% from three. He’s the kind of developmental piece Boston has had success with in recent years - think Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard - and could be a sneaky contributor if called upon.
Here’s how the full roster looks post-deadline:
Standard Contracts:
- Jayson Tatum
- Jaylen Brown
- Derrick White
- Nikola Vučević
- Sam Hauser
- Payton Pritchard
- Hugo Gonzalez
- Baylor Scheierman
- Luka Garza
- Neemias Queta
- Jordan Walsh
- Amari Williams
Two-Way Contracts:
- Max Shulga
- Ron Harper Jr.
- John Tonje
And in terms of draft capital, Boston still holds a solid cache of picks, including first-rounders in 2026, 2027, 2030, 2031, and 2032 - plus multiple second-rounders, some via trades with Detroit, New Orleans, and Houston.
The Celtics didn’t chase headlines with a blockbuster move, but what they did was quietly savvy. They added a proven veteran in Vučević, cleared cap space, opened roster spots, and positioned themselves to be players in the buyout market - all without touching the core of a team that’s already among the league’s elite.
This was a deadline about fine-tuning, not overhauling. And for a team with championship aspirations, that’s exactly the kind of work that can pay off in May and June.