Celtics Legend Paul Pierce Makes Stance Clear On Nikola Vucevic Trade

The Boston Celtics swapped out Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic on Tuesday, and it sounds like Celts legend Paul Pierce is a fan of the move.

“It gives them depth at the big spot, especially now that we know that the Celtics are going to be a playoff team, Pierce said.

“I like (Neemias) Queta, but when you add Vucevic, it gives them a legit guy that they can push into the playoffs. I really like the move. It really gives them a inside threat, a guy who’s a veteran, who’s been a All-Star, who can take some pressure off (Jaylen) Brown.”

Paul Pierce says with the trade to get Nikola Vučević Boston Celtics could come out the eastern conference

“It give them depth at the big spot, especially now that we know that the Celtics are going to be a playoff team, I like Queta but when you add Vučević, it gives them a… https://t.co/tu6TBQeHpY pic.twitter.com/No61rx85R2

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 4, 2026

Vucevic has enjoyed a productive 15-year NBA career, establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable and versatile big men.

Drafted 16th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011 out of USC, Vucevic quickly showed promise in limited minutes during his rookie season. He spent his first two-plus years in Philadelphia before a 2012 trade sent him to the Orlando Magic, where he blossomed into a double-double machine. Over seven seasons with the Magic, he earned two All-Star selections (2019 and 2021), consistently posting strong numbers as a scorer and rebounder while developing a reliable mid-range and three-point game.

In March 2021, the Chicago Bulls acquired Vucevic in a blockbuster deal, pairing him with emerging talents. He delivered immediate impact, averaging around 20 points and 11 rebounds in parts of six seasons with Chicago. His tenure included solid individual production, with multiple seasons exceeding 18 points and 10 rebounds per game, plus improved three-point shooting that stretched defenses.

Entering the 2025-26 season at age 35, Vucevic remained a steady starter for the Bulls through late January, averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game across 48 contests while shooting 50.5% from the field and 37.6% from three.

Overall, Vucevic has compiled career averages of 17.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game across more than 1,000 appearances, cementing his status as a durable, skilled center.