The Boston Celtics bolstered their frontcourt by trading guard Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls for center Nikola Vučević ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. The deal helps Boston address depth issues while shedding salary to ease luxury tax burdens. Bulls players praised Vučević as an ultimate professional in emotional post-trade reactions.
As the NBA trade deadline approached on February 5, 2026, the Boston Celtics made a strategic move to upgrade their frontcourt, acquiring 35-year-old center Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and a 2026 second-round pick. The trade, reported on February 3, saves Boston approximately $6 million in salary, positioning the team below the first apron of the luxury tax and avoiding over $20 million in penalties. With a 31-18 record, the Celtics aim to deepen their playoff push, potentially without Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from a torn Achilles.
Vučević, a two-time All-Star averaging 17.2 points and 10.4 rebounds over his career, brings versatility as a shooter and passer. Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan lauded his adaptability: "He's always adjusted... He was always available, he played a lot of games... He's just that kind of professional." Guard Coby White called him an "ultimate pro" with versatility to play inside and out, while Ayo Dosunmu highlighted his seasoned presence: "With Vuc you're getting a seasoned, veteran big, an All-Star who can shoot it, pass it, knows the game."
For the Bulls, the trade signals a roster rebuild, parting with Vučević alongside Kevin Huerter in a separate three-team deal sending Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley to Chicago. The 31-18 Celtics, atop the Eastern Conference, view Vučević as a key addition for another deep playoff run, complementing Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. This move reflects broader deadline activity, including James Harden's swap to the Cavaliers and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s transfer to the Jazz, reshaping contenders' landscapes.
