The Celtics made their first big swing ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, acquiring Nikola Vucevic from the Bulls. They moved Anfernee Simons to Chicago as part of the trade, which also included second-round picks going both ways.
Immediately, Vucevic shores up the Celtics’ front-court rotation. The C’s have been rumored to be looking for big man help this trade season, and that’s what they get in Vucevic. The 35-year-old is averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 48 games (all starts) this season.
The C’s have leaned on Neemias Queta and Luka Garza through this season, but it was evident another big man would help round out the rotation. Queta and Garza have been better-than-expected, but Vucevic now brings starting experience to the group and injury insurance.
It’s unclear if Vucevic will start now that he’s in Boston. He certainly brings more offensive firepower. He’s shooting 37.6% on 4.5 3-point attempts per game this year as a floor-spacing big man. The Celtics have one of the best offenses in the league, and the possibilities are enticing with Vucevic in Boston.
However, Vucevic’s defensive shortcomings are well-documented at this point in his career. That’s one area the Celtics will have to make Vucevic fit. But if he can help with rebound in Boston, that should be a plus. Vucevic isn’t getting any younger, but considering he’s on an expiring contract, it’s not a high-risk move for Boston.
Vucevic also gets a chance to contribute for a playoff contender. He’s never played past the first round in his career and hasn’t suited up in a playoff game since 2022. He’ll get that opportunity with a C’s team that’s 31-18, tied for second in the East. Vucevic has talent and he’s made two All-Star teams in his career.
Notably, the Celtics lost guard depth by trading Simons away. Simons was a great piece during his short stint with the C’s. He readily accepted his role coming off the bench and helped Boston win several games this year. Plus, he improved his defense, a part of his game that’s been criticized throughout his career.
The Celtics have leaned on Payton Pritchard and Derrick White as their starting guards this year, so it remains to be seen what they do behind them now. Having Simons as a third ball-handler eased the pressure off other Celtics. Plus, as a microwave scorer off the bench, Simons helped boost Boston consistently.
Vucevic is on an expiring $21.5 million contract, so the Celtics saved about $6 million after moving Simons and his $27.7 million deal. They didn’t take on any future money in the deal, which is also a positive. The C’s now dip under the first apron. They are about $6 million still over the luxury tax, so more moves could be on the horizon.
The Celtics ultimately cut some costs in the deal while also shoring up their front-court rotation. They did have to give up a solid contributor in Simons, which now makes their guard depth thinner. But there are still a couple days ahead of the 3 p.m. Thursday trade deadline, so the Celtics can still make more moves.