Boston, Massachusetts, United States
News Desk | Sports
The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls completed a trade on Tuesday, sending two-time NBA All-Star center Nikola Vucevic to Boston in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round draft pick, according to league sources familiar with the deal. The move, finalized ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, marks a significant roster shift for both Eastern Conference teams.
Nikola Vucevic 35, will join the Celtics’ frontcourt after averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists this season with the Bulls, bolstering Boston’s interior depth as they pursue a playoff push. Chicago acquires 26-year-old Simons, a bench scoring guard, along with a draft pick as part of its ongoing roster overhaul.
The deal comes as the Bulls have been active in reshaping their lineup, also bringing in young guard Jaden Ivey and veteran Mike Conley Jr. from a separate three-team transaction earlier Tuesday. The Bulls sit 24–26 in the Eastern Conference and are seeking to balance immediate competitiveness with future flexibility.
Boston, meanwhile, addresses a long-standing need at center after earlier moves this season saw departures of veteran bigs. Nikola Vucevic arrival is expected to provide a reliable scoring and rebounding presence, complementing existing frontcourt players and strengthening Boston’s interior matchups down the stretch.
Financially, the trade also provides salary cap and luxury tax benefits for the Celtics, moving them under the league’s first tax apron and creating additional flexibility for potential future acquisitions. Nikola Vucevic and Simons both are on expiring contracts, making their status for next season open to further negotiation.
Nikola Vucevic drafted 16th overall in 2011 and a former All-Star with Orlando and Chicago, brings a combination of scoring, rebounding, and floor spacing to Boston as the team eyes deeper postseason contention. Chicago’s acquisition of Simons adds a high-scoring backcourt option with the potential to grow alongside a young core.
ALSO READ: Barack Obama Marks Affordable Care Act Anniversary Urges Continued Protections
