The Boston Celtics have reportedly traded shooting guard Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls in a deal that will land them two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic.
“BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN,” ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania posted on X.
The Celtics have been linked to numerous big-name centers throughout the season, including former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., who was reportedly traded to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday.
Boston had also been connected to Vucevic in rumors for months, while Simons, despite his stellar play as the team’s sixth man this winter, had been on the trade block since arriving to the organization.
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An idea for a Simons-Vucevic swap was proposed in September, five months before Tuesday’s move.
Celtics reporter Bobby Krivitsky analyzed the blockbuster and noted the financial impact.
“That moves the Celtics below the first apron. They’re still above the tax by $5.8M. I hate to see Simons go, especially in a financially-driven move. He did everything right and deservedly earned praise from all corners of the organization,” Krivitsky posted on Bluesky. “Trading him for a significant front-court addition never materialized. They pivoted to creating more flexibility. Does this relate to Tatum not returning until next season? If he comes back this year, is Pritchard returning to role of sixth man despite his success as a starter? Time will tell.”
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HoopsHype senior NBA insider Michael Scotto reported on Tuesday that Chicago had recently proposed a deal involving Simons and Vucevic, which Boston turned down.
“Before the Celtics tied for second in the East, the Bulls proposed trading Nikola Vucevic for Anfernee Simons and a Celtics first-round pick, which Boston declined, as reported by HoopsHype on January 28 below. Today, they swapped those players and sent a second-round pick each,” Scotto posted on Bluesky. “The Celtics previously proposed Anfernee Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Clippers center Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which the Clippers declined, sources said. Boston also inquired on Jaren Jackson Jr. Instead, Boston lands Nikola Vucevic.”
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The Celtics acquired Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers in July in exchange for two-time All-Star Jrue Holiday.
The 26-year-old Simons is averaging 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 24.5 minutes per contest this season with a .440/.395/.889 shooting line. Simons was the only player to appear in each of Boston’s first 49 games during the 2025-26 campaign.
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Vucevic turned 35 in October and averaged a double-double for the seventh straight season in 2024-25.
He’s posted 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and matched his career high with 3.8 assists per contest this season across 48 games.
Vucevic’s missed just two contests during the 2025-26 campaign and has recorded a .505/.376/.838 shooting line.
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Featured image via Winslow Townson/Imagn Images
