The Boston Celtics are making a move to bolster their frontcourt for the stretch run, agreeing to a deal that brings veteran big man Nikola Vucevic to Boston in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and a package of second-round picks. The trade is still awaiting league approval, but the framework is in place - and it’s a clear signal that Boston is going all-in on a deep playoff push.
Let’s start with Vucevic. At 35, he’s no longer the All-Star centerpiece he was in Orlando, but he’s still producing at a high level.
This season with the Bulls, he’s putting up 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game - numbers that line up closely with his career averages. He’s a reliable scorer in the post, a solid rebounder, and a big who can stretch the floor just enough to keep defenses honest.
For a Celtics team that’s been leaning heavily on its wing depth, Vucevic gives them a true interior presence and a steady veteran who’s been through the battles.
This will be Vucevic’s fourth stop in the league after previous stints with Philadelphia, Orlando, and Chicago. He’s not going to anchor a defense at this point in his career, but in the right role - likely coming off the bench or playing in spot starter minutes - he can be a valuable piece. He brings size, experience, and a calm, professional presence to a Boston locker room that’s already loaded with talent.
On the other side of the deal, Anfernee Simons heads to Chicago after a brief stint in Boston. Simons, a former standout at Edgewater High School and the Class 7A player of the year back in 2017, joined the Celtics this season as part of the Jrue Holiday trade that sent him from Portland to Boston. In limited action, he averaged 14.2 points per game - a solid output, especially considering the crowded backcourt rotation he was working within.
Simons is still just 24 and has plenty of upside as a scoring guard. For the Bulls, this is a chance to get younger, add a dynamic perimeter threat, and recoup some draft capital in the process. It’s a move that aligns with a longer-term vision, especially with both Simons and Vucevic set to hit free agency this summer.
For the Celtics, there’s more to this trade than just the on-court fit. Financially, the deal significantly trims their luxury tax bill - dropping it from around $39 million to roughly $17 million. That’s a big swing, and it opens up additional flexibility that could be used for further roster tweaks before the deadline.
And let’s not overlook the context here: Boston has been holding its own near the top of the Eastern Conference standings despite being without Jayson Tatum all season as he recovers from a torn Achilles. That’s a testament to the depth and resilience of this group, but it also underscores why a move like this makes sense. Vucevic isn’t a game-changer on his own, but he’s the kind of piece that can help stabilize rotations, eat up minutes in the paint, and provide a different look when the playoffs turn into a chess match.
With the postseason looming and the East as competitive as ever, the Celtics are clearly positioning themselves for a run. Adding Vucevic is a calculated move - one that balances short-term needs with long-term flexibility.
And if Tatum makes it back in time for the playoffs? Boston just might have the depth and firepower to make a serious push.