Nikola Vucevic Bulls-Celtics
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Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic is defended by Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.
The Boston Celtics are in the middle of a pivotal offseason as they reshape a roster full of questions. With Jayson Tatum rehabbing, the front office trying to manage the luxury tax, and a need to stay competitive, tough calls are being floated.
One name caught in the chatter? Anfernee Simons. The high-scoring guard came to Boston in the Jrue Holiday deal, but his stay could already be short-lived.
Among the ideas being floated, one intriguing possibility — proposed by NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg and his panel — involves sending Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran center Nikola Vucevic, a two-time All-Star entering the final year of his contract.
The Proposed Trade
Josh Canu floated the simple framework:
Celtics receive: Nikola Vucevic
Bulls receive: Anfernee Simons
“Both players are on expiring contracts, the Bulls get a younger player, and the Celtics get a starting center and some cap relief as well. Not the sexiest move, but a move that works and is attainable,” Canu said.
Celtics’ Center Uncertainty
Boston’s interest is obvious. Their center rotation is a question mark. Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford are gone. Chris Boucher has been added, while Neemias Queta is making noise in EuroBasket, but neither offers the track record Boston may want.
That’s where Vucevic comes in. The two-time All-Star averaged 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds last season, giving the Celtics size, shooting, and experience. He’s not known for rim protection, but his offensive skill set could stabilize the post. With his contract expiring after the season, Boston would also maintain future flexibility.
Would This Trade Help the Celtics?
There are two sides to this.
Why Keep Simons: Anfernee Simons is entering his prime. His shooting and scoring ability could thrive under Joe Mazzulla. Even if he’s not viewed as a long-term fit, his value could rise with a strong start to the season. Boston might be able to flip him later for more than what Vucevic offers.
Why Consider Vucevic: For a team in need of frontcourt stability, Vucevic would be a quick fix. He’s productive, experienced, and would fill a glaring roster hole. But he’s 33, on the decline, and not a long-term answer. The Bulls have shopped him before, which says plenty about his current market value.
The Financial Angle: Swapping Simons for Vucevic would lighten Boston’s tax bill. But giving up a younger, ascending piece for a short-term rental feels like a trade made for the books, not the court.
The Bottom Line for the Celtics
On paper, this move makes sense. The Celtics add an All-Star center, patch a need, and buy financial breathing room. But in practice, it looks more like a short-term bandage than a real solution.
Boston would be better off keeping Simons, seeing how he fits, and waiting for the right deal. Trading him now for a player the Bulls have been eager to unload may not maximize his value.
The Celtics’ frontcourt is a concern. But giving up a player with legitimate upside for a one-year stopgap? That might be too steep a price.