Nikola Vučević is averaging 16.9 points, nine rebounds and 3.8 assists per game this season.
The Celtics have reportedly added to their frontline before the trade deadline.
Boston is reportedly acquiring former All-Star center Nikola Vučević and a second-round pick from the Chicago Bulls for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick.
Boston recieves:
- Nikola Vučević
- Future second-round pick
Chicago receives:
- Anfernee Simons
- Future second-round pick
I was told this deal was discussed earlier in season but didn’t gain much traction. Deadlines have a way of creating action . . .
Bulls are busy.
And on a personal note: Happy for Vooch to chase a title but will miss covering him. As accessible and professional as they get https://t.co/JkjLiUbt9j
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 3, 2026
A former two-time All-Star, Vučević is averaging 16.9 points, nine rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for the Bulls while starting all 48 games. He has spent the last 5 1/2 seasons with Chicago, but now moves on to Boston where he will slot in as an immediate starter at center.
Vučević joins a frontline that was thin on experience as Neemias Queta, Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman Sr. comprise Boston’s center rotation.
Vučević has appeared in 16 playoff games — 10 of which came with the Orlando Magic from 2018-20 — and has appeared in 1,020 regular-season games. He’ll provide plenty of experience for Boston (31-18) as it looks to separate from the New York Knicks for the No. 2 seed in the East.
The Celtics landed Simons from the Blazers in the offseason deal that shipped out veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Simons (14.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.4 apg) hit his stride in January with Boston, posting 15.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2.6 apg in 16 games.
Chicago has been busy as Thursday’s trade deadline approaches, reportedly trading Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić to Detroit earlier Tuesday as part of a three-team swap.
