New Celtics Addition Nikola Vucevic Labeled ‘Winner’ Of Deadline

Nikola Vucevic had one of the best trade deadlines in the NBA, according to ESPN’s Zach Kram.

On Thursday, Kram labeled Vucevic one of the ‘winners’ of the deadline due to the fact that the veteran center finally landed on a contender for the first time in his career by being traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Boston Celtics.

“Vucevic is a consummate professional who has enjoyed a long and productive NBA career,” Kram wrote. “The 15-year veteran is a two-time All-Star with more than 17,000 points and 10,000 rebounds, plus nearly $200 million in career earnings. But he has never had a deep playoff run, as his postseason résumé consists of just three five-game losses in the first round (not counting his rookie season, when he was a deep reserve who played three playoff minutes for the 2011-12 76ers).”

“Now, the 35-year-old center will get his chance … Vucevic is a defensive liability against the best competition … (but he) is an upgrade on the offensive end, and a great fit for Boston’s perimeter-oriented system. Over the past two seasons, he has made 39% of his 4.5 3-point attempts per game.”

Vucevic has delivered another steady season in 2025-26, averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game through 48 appearances with the Chicago Bulls.

The vet is shooting 50.5% from the field, 37.6% from three-point range, and 83.8% from the free-throw line, posting double-doubles consistently while providing reliable interior scoring and rebounding.

In recent outings with the Bulls, Vucevic showed flashes of his scoring touch, including a 25-point, 9-rebound effort against the Indiana Pacers on January 28 and an 18-point, 11-rebound performance versus the Los Angeles Lakers on January 26. His production dipped in limited minutes during a February 1 loss to the Miami Heat (12 points in 22 minutes), but he’s maintained solid efficiency overall this year.

Over his entire career, spanning the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls before Boston, Vucevic has appeared in 1,020 regular-season games, averaging 17.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.

Selected 16th overall in the 2011 draft, he’s earned two All-Star selections and ranks among the league’s most durable big men.

Known for his post moves, mid-range game, and improved three-point shooting in recent years, Vucevic remains a dependable contributor who bolsters team frontcourts with his scoring and board work. His move to Boston adds depth to a contending roster as he enters the later stages of a productive career.