Bulls Shake Up Roster as Vučević Heads to Celtics, Huerter Joins Pistons
MILWAUKEE - The Chicago Bulls were supposed to be focused on the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday afternoon. Instead, they were fielding trade alerts on their phones like the rest of us - and the news hit close to home. Two of their own, Nikola Vučević and Kevin Huerter, were suddenly no longer part of the team.
In a pair of moves that signal a shift in direction for the Bulls, Huerter was sent to the Detroit Pistons in a three-team deal involving the Minnesota Timberwolves, a trade that brings Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley to Chicago. Not long after, Vučević was dealt to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons.
The locker room was still processing it all as tip-off approached.
“Tough day. It's part of the business - we're supposed to be robots about it, I guess,” Coby White said.
“I'm trying to focus on the game, but obviously with a lot of stuff going on like this, it's hard not to think about. I've been with Vuc for a long time, so it's tough to see him go.
It's tough to see Kev go.”
Ayo Dosunmu echoed the sentiment. “It's pretty crazy.
You know it’s part of the league, but when it happens, it stings. You build relationships, you pour into those every day.
These are your guys.”
There’s a sense around the team that more moves could be coming before Thursday’s trade deadline. White’s name has been floated in rumors, though he made it clear he wants to stay in Chicago. For now, the focus is on honoring the contributions of Vučević and Huerter - two players the Bulls say brought professionalism and poise to the locker room - and looking at how they might fit into their new homes.
Nikola Vučević to the Celtics: A Frontcourt Boost with Playoff Implications
Boston has been on the hunt for a frontcourt upgrade all season, and Vučević checks a lot of boxes. He’s a skilled, reliable big who can stretch the floor, pass out of the post, and rebound at a high level. For a Celtics team that's already among the Eastern Conference elite, this isn't just a depth move - it's a signal that they’re going all-in.
And there’s a financial angle, too. By moving Anfernee Simons in the deal, Boston trims $6 million off the books, dropping below the first luxury tax apron and saving over $20 million in tax penalties. That’s a big win for the front office, especially if they believe Vučević can help anchor a deep playoff run.
The Celtics, sitting at 31-18, have exceeded expectations this season despite missing Jayson Tatum for a significant stretch due to a torn Achilles. Adding Vučević instead of simply shedding salary suggests they’re not just trying to survive - they’re trying to win.
Back in the Bulls locker room, Vučević’s former teammates and coach had nothing but praise for the veteran big man.
Head coach Billy Donovan highlighted Vučević’s consistency and professionalism:
“As the game has evolved - more threes, faster pace - he’s always adjusted.
He was always available. In a league where guys miss time, he found a way to be ready every night.
Even last night, we land, go to the hotel, I head to the weight room - he’s already on the treadmill. That’s who he is.
A total pro.”
Coby White emphasized Vučević’s skillset:
“Ultimate pro.
An All-Star. His versatility as a five - he can play inside and out, knock down big shots in big moments.”
Ayo Dosunmu added:
“With Vuc, you’re getting a seasoned, veteran big.
He can shoot it, pass it, he knows the game, and he competes. That’s what you want.”
Kevin Huerter to the Pistons: A Bet on Spacing and Savvy
The Pistons have been one of the league’s biggest surprises. After snapping a playoff drought last season, they’ve taken another leap and currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, holding a 5.5-game lead over the Knicks and Celtics.
But even with their success, Detroit’s three-point shooting has been a glaring weak spot. They rank near the bottom of the league in both attempts and percentage - and history hasn’t been kind to teams that shoot this poorly from deep and still try to contend for a title.
Enter Kevin Huerter.
While his shooting numbers this season - 31.4% from three on 5.1 attempts per game - don’t jump off the page, his career track record paints a more optimistic picture. He’s a career 36-37% shooter from deep, and if defenses respect him as a threat more than they did Jaden Ivey, that alone could open up spacing for Detroit’s offense.
Billy Donovan, who coached Huerter briefly in Chicago, spoke highly of the guard’s basketball IQ and feel for the game:
“I really respected Kevin even before he got here - his IQ, his feel, his size.
He’s more athletic than people realize. His shooting this year has been up and down, but he’s been a 36, 37% guy for most of his career.
Total team guy. Really savvy.”
Huerter may not be the Pistons’ final answer to their shooting woes, but he’s a smart, experienced addition to a young core that’s trying to take the next step. And for a team that’s already exceeding expectations, even incremental upgrades can make a big difference come playoff time.
What’s Next for the Bulls?
With Vučević and Huerter gone and more potential moves on the horizon, it’s clear the Bulls are recalibrating. The addition of Ivey and Conley brings a mix of youth and veteran leadership, and depending on how the next few days shake out, this could be just the beginning of a larger reshaping of the roster.
For now, though, the focus is on honoring two players who left their mark - not just on the court, but in the locker room. Vučević and Huerter may be moving on, but in the eyes of their former teammates, they’re taking their professionalism, work ethic, and team-first mentality with them - and that’s something any contender would be lucky to have.