The Boston Celtics just made their move ahead of the NBA trade deadline-and it’s a big one. Veteran center Nikola Vucevic is on his way to Boston, coming over from the Chicago Bulls in a deal that sends Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to Chicago. Boston also receives a second-round pick in return.
Vucevic, a two-time All-Star, brings a seasoned presence to a Celtics team that’s already loaded with talent but looking for that extra edge in the frontcourt. At 35, he’s still producing at a high level-averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season.
He’s shooting an efficient 50.5% from the field, a strong 37.6% from beyond the arc, and 83.8% from the free-throw line. That kind of versatility-especially from a big man-gives Boston a new dimension offensively.
This trade also confirms what had been rumored for a while: the Celtics were ready to move on from Simons. The young guard showed flashes, but with Boston’s core focused on contending now, the front office clearly felt it was time to shift gears and add more size and experience.
What Vucevic Brings to Boston
Vucevic isn’t just a traditional post-up center. He can stretch the floor, pass out of the high post, and still bang down low when needed.
His ability to hit the three at nearly 38% means defenses can’t sag off him, and that spacing could open up even more driving lanes for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Plus, his court vision adds another layer to Boston’s ball movement.
He’s not the kind of rim protector that will anchor a defense like Robert Williams once did, but he’s smart, positions himself well, and rebounds at a high level. On a team with elite perimeter defenders, Vucevic’s role won’t be to lock down the paint-it’ll be to control the glass, keep the offense flowing, and knock down open shots.
How the Rotation Shakes Out
With Vucevic in the mix, the Celtics will have to retool their starting five-at least until Jayson Tatum returns. For now, the likely lineup looks like this:
- Payton Pritchard
- Derrick White
- Jaylen Brown
- Sam Hauser
- Nikola Vucevic
That keeps Vucevic in his natural center spot, where he’s most effective. Hauser has been solid as a floor spacer, but once Tatum is back, he’ll likely slide into a bench role. That would give Boston a starting five that’s long, skilled, and dangerous from just about every spot on the floor.
What’s Next for the Celtics?
While Vucevic fills a major need up front, trading away Simons does leave Boston thin in the backcourt. Pritchard and White can hold things down, but depth becomes a concern-especially if injuries hit. Don’t be surprised if Boston makes another move before the deadline to shore up the guard rotation.
Bottom line: this is a win-now move. The Celtics are going all-in on this season, and adding a proven, skilled big like Vucevic signals they’re serious about making a deep playoff run. With the East as competitive as it’s been in years, Boston just gave itself another weapon-and a pretty good one at that.