Feb 3, 2026, 9:20 PM UTC
The Boston Celtics are trading former Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls, according to [ESPN’s Shams Charania](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47819106/sources-bulls-trade-nikola-vucevic-celtics-anfernee-simons). Center Nikola Vučević will head to Boston in the deal, which also includes the teams exchanging second-round draft picks.
Simons is now in his eighth NBA season. He averaged 14.2 points in 24.5 minutes per game for the Celtics, coming off the bench in all 49 of those appearances. He joins a crowded Bulls backcourt that includes Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and a pair of guards in Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley who were added to the roster [via trade earlier in the day](/nba-news-rumors/108660/jaren-jackson-jr-trade-grizzlies-jazz-details-draft-picks-2026-nba-deadline).
In return for Simons, Boston acquires Vučević, a former All-Star, at a position of need. Vučević appeared in 48 games for the Bulls, producing 16.9 points and nine rebounds per game, while shooting 37.6% on 4.5 three-point attempts per game. His ability to shoot from behind the arc should fit in with the surprising Celtics, who are 31-18 and tied for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference despite missing All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum, who ruptured his Achilles in last season’s playoffs.
Chicago is now the third NBA home for Simons in less than a year. Before heading to Boston, Simons spent seven seasons with the Blazers, averaging 15 points over the course of 389 appearances (213 starts). He ranks third in franchise history with 967 made three-pointers.
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