The Boston Celtics have traded guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for center Nikola Vučević and another second-round pick. This move addresses Boston's need for center depth while helping the team inch closer to avoiding the luxury tax. Chicago continues its role as a trade facilitator, accumulating draft assets amid a rebuilding phase.
The trade, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on February 3, 2026, comes at the NBA trade deadline as the Bulls reshape their roster. Boston, sitting at 31-18 and tied for second in the Eastern Conference despite missing Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury from last season's playoffs, gains a former All-Star in Vučević. The 33-year-old center averaged 16.9 points and nine rebounds in 48 games for Chicago this season, shooting 37.6% from three on 4.5 attempts per game. His shooting ability complements Boston's style, providing a reliable option beyond Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, especially in the postseason where Garza's limitations were evident.
Financially, the deal is crucial for the Celtics, who entered the day $12 million over the luxury tax line. By sending out Simons, whose salary helped clear about $6 million, Boston now sits $5.9 million above the threshold. As a repeater tax team, avoiding the tax this year and next could reset their penalty clock, preserving flexibility for future roster moves. The trade also positions them below the first apron, opening possibilities to sign buyout players.
For Chicago, the acquisition of Simons—averaging 14.2 points in 24.5 minutes off the bench in 49 games for Boston—bolsters a crowded backcourt that now includes Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden Ivey, and Mike Conley, the latter two added earlier Tuesday. The Bulls receive a valuable second-round pick: the most favorable from the Pelicans, Trail Blazers, Knicks, or Timberwolves in June. With no playoff aspirations beyond a likely play-in spot, Chicago is wisely accumulating draft capital while facilitating other deals.
Analysts grade the trade a B for Boston, praising the center upgrade and tax relief, though losing Simons' scoring stings—replaceable if Tatum returns. Chicago earns a B-, lauded for smart resource use without forcing win-now moves. Simons, in his eighth NBA season after seven with Portland where he averaged 15 points over 389 games and ranks third in franchise threes made (967), now has his third team in under a year.
