Whew, and it’s not even trade deadline day yet, but the Chicago Bulls are already wheeling and dealing. After sending Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago has now added Anfernee Simons, sending Nikola Vučević to the Boston Celtics.
Bulls acquire Anfernee Simons, send Vucevic to Celtics
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/aScaobfZmv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
But that’s not all. Chicago has also swapped second-round picks with Boston. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the framework for this deal was discussed earlier in the season but was initially derailed by the Bulls’ pursuit of a first-round pick from the Celtics. Nonetheless, Chicago has finally moved on from Vučević, ending years of trade speculation.
It’s a trade Bulls fans will certainly welcome, given Vučević’s long tenure in Chicago. The 6-foot-10 big man was beloved, but he had run his course. Over six seasons and 378 games with the Bulls, the 35-year-old had little left to offer, making it the right time to move on.
In return, Chicago adds 26-year-old Anfernee Simons, who brings eight years of NBA experience. Simons has shown he can serve as a high-usage scorer and spark plug in a reserve role, while also offering versatility. The key detail: he’s on an expiring contract. Now, Chicago has Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and recently acquired Ivey—all on expiring deals—alongside Simons.
Yet Vučević was also on an expiring contract, so Chicago isn’t trading a long-term investment for a short-term rental. Both Vooch and Simons fall into the short-term rental category.
With Simons now in the fold, the Bulls’ backcourt is crowded, and tough decisions loom. It seems all but certain that White will be moved. Ivey appears to be the long-term option alongside Giddey, though Simons could also fit. Either player makes sense pairing with the Aussie in the backcourt.
Another roster shakeup looms
Beyond the starting lineup, this trade puts a spotlight on Dosunmu and White as Chicago heads toward the February 5 trade deadline. Both guards are on expiring contracts, giving the Bulls flexibility to pivot depending on offers—whether that means moving White for additional assets or exploring a larger package deal. This trade not only reshapes the backcourt but also gives Chicago the freedom to decide which combo guard fits best alongside Ivey and Simons moving forward.
This move also signals that the Bulls may be looking to reshape their frontcourt. Chicago is now left with just Jalen Smith and the injured Zach Collins at center. There’s a chance the Bulls target Yves Missi, or another big, potentially using White as the centerpiece in a follow-up trade.
With Ivey and Simons now in the fold, Chicago’s backcourt is set for a shakeup, and White appears to be the most likely piece to move. Dosunmu’s versatility and value give the Bulls options, while the expiring contracts of both guards provide flexibility at the trade deadline. Combined with the need to address the frontcourt, this flurry of moves shows that Chicago is thinking strategically—not just about the remainder of this season, but about shaping a roster that could compete for years to come.