Brad Stevens
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Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics may have more trades up his sleeve.
The Boston Celtics continue navigating an offseason full of questions and strategic pivots. One of the key names involved? Anfernee Simons, acquired in the Jrue Holiday deal. While the explosive guard brings clear upside, his time in Boston might be short-lived.
One logical scenario—floated by Sports Illustrated’s Alan Goldsher—is flipping Simons to the Chicago Bulls for veteran center Nikola Vucevic, a two-time All-Star on an expiring contract.
CelticsUnite
The Celtics are actively looking to trade Anfernee Simons 👀
Via @WindhorstESPN
Vucevic Bolsters Celtics’ Frontcourt
Boston’s motivation is twofold: clear a positional logjam and patch up the frontcourt. Simons is a scoring machine, but he overlaps with Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, and his $27 million expiring contract is a valuable trade chip.
Vucevic, meanwhile, fills a glaring need. With Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet gone, and Al Horford likely nearing the end, the Celtics have no reliable big to anchor their rotation. Vucevic brings size, shooting, veteran experience, and a proven ability to space the floor—exactly what Boston needs to stabilize the post.
From Chicago’s perspective, Simons would instantly become a backcourt cornerstone. After moving Lonzo Ball to Cleveland and reportedly shopping Coby White, the Bulls are retooling. Pairing Simons with Josh Giddey would offer creativity, pace, and scoring for a team clearly turning the page.
The Bulls have had little luck generating a trade market for Nikola Vucevic.
After demanding a 1st-round pick at the deadline, Chicago’s market for the soon to be 35-year-old has dried up.
Vucevic wants to finish his career on a contending team, so a buyout could be an option. pic.twitter.com/XT1zh23q3U
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 4, 2025
Vucevic: A Short-Term Fix With Strategic Upside
While Vucevic isn’t a traditional rim protector, he’s a significant upgrade over Boston’s current internal options. His deal also expires after this season, giving the Celtics both immediate help and long-term flexibility.
Getting off Simons’ contract and landing a productive big could push Boston under the first tax apron. That would be a huge win for a front office looking to reset its financial timeline while navigating Jayson Tatum‘s recovery and extension.
The Bulls, on the other hand, would gain a dynamic scorer just entering his prime—ideal for a team in transition and eager to get younger.
What Comes Next?
According to Brian Windhorst, the Celtics are “actively trying to trade” Simons. Whether that leads directly to Vucevic or another target remains to be seen, but the logic behind the proposed deal is undeniable: Boston addresses its frontcourt, Chicago adds backcourt juice, and both sides walk away with a better-balanced roster.
In a summer full of uncertainty, this one might just work.