The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics are heading in very different directions right now-and their recent trade chatter reflects just how far apart these two franchises are in terms of trajectory.
Let’s start in Boston, where the Celtics have been on an absolute tear, surging into the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference. They’re playing with confidence, cohesion, and the kind of depth that makes them a legitimate title contender. So it’s no surprise they weren’t eager to mess with that formula-even when the Bulls came calling with a big-name offer.
According to league sources, Chicago floated a proposal earlier this season that would’ve sent veteran center Nikola Vučević to Boston in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a first-round pick. On paper, the deal might’ve made some financial sense for the Celtics, potentially lowering their luxury tax bill.
But Boston passed. And given how well Simons has fit into their rotation-averaging 13.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists-it’s easy to see why.
He’s been a steady contributor and a valuable piece in their backcourt, and the Celtics clearly weren’t willing to give that up, especially with championship aspirations in full swing.
Meanwhile, things in Chicago are far murkier. The Bulls are sitting at .500, with a 23-23 record that has them clinging to the No. 9 seed in the East. That’s not exactly where they expected to be at this point in the season, and it’s clear the front office is ready to shake things up.
The Vučević proposal wasn’t the only sign of that. The Bulls have also reportedly set a high asking price for Coby White, another one of their key contributors.
White, who’s averaging 17.9 points across 19 games this season, has shown flashes of being a dynamic scoring guard. He’s still just 25 years old, and Chicago seems to believe he has the kind of upside that warrants a significant return.
According to reports, the Bulls are looking for an unprotected first-round pick in exchange for White, even though he’s in the final year of his contract. That’s a bold ask, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding his future as a potential unrestricted free agent. But the Bulls appear convinced that White’s value-both now and in the years ahead-justifies that price tag.
It’s a tricky spot for Chicago. On one hand, they’ve got some intriguing young talent and a few veterans who could still help a playoff push.
On the other, they seem to be flirting with the idea of a full reset. The trade deadline is just a few weeks away, and the Bulls are clearly weighing all their options.
Whether they find a taker for Vučević, White, or anyone else on the roster remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: Chicago isn’t content to stand pat. And as the Celtics continue to climb, the Bulls are left searching for a new direction.