The Boston Celtics made another notable roster move, acquiring veteran big man Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and second-round draft pick assets,according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The trade comes with the 2026 NBA trade deadline looming and signals Boston’s intent to bolster its frontcourt for a playoff push. 

Vucevic, 35, arrives in Boston as a two-time All-Star and proven NBA scorer and rebounder, currently averaging about 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this season. His addition gives the Celtics much-needed size and experience in the paint, rounding out a frontcourt that has relied heavily on younger centers like Neemias Queta and Luka Garza while dealing with injuries and lineup gaps. 

Meanwhile, Simons, 26, departs Boston after just part of a season in green. Acquired by the Celtics last summer in the Jrue Holiday trade with the Trail Blazers, he provided a capable scoring punch off the bench, averaging 14.2 points per game and showing the shooting ability that made him a valuable trade chip. 

The deal also has financial implications for the Celtics’ cap situation. By swapping Simons’ larger expiring contract for Vucevic’s smaller one, Boston significantly reduces its luxury-tax bill and moves closer to operating under the league’s first tax apron – a strategic position that could give the team more roster flexibility as the deadline nears. 

For the Bulls, acquiring Simons adds youth and shooting to a backcourt that has been reshaped this season, complementing other recent trades as Chicago pivots toward a younger core. 

This deadline-week trade represents a practical move by the Celtics to address a long-standing frontcourt need with a veteran presence while managing their financial picture, and it gives the Bulls a dynamic scorer in Simons as they continue reshaping their roster.