Nikola Vucevic
The Boston Celtics made waves prior to the trade deadline.
Boston shipped Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls for Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick on Tuesday afternoon. The move addressed the Celtics’ need for size up front while creating financial flexibility ahead of the offseason. Reactions to the deal have been pouring in from across the basketball world.
One of the most notable responses came from a Celtics legend who knows what it takes to win in Boston.
Celtics Legend Makes Bold Prediction
Paul Pierce weighed in on the Vucevic trade during an appearance on the No Fouls Given show, and his assessment was bold.
“It give them depth at the big spot, especially now that we know that the Celtics are going to be a playoff team,” Pierce said. “I like Queta but when you add Vučević, it gives them a legit, guy that they can push into the playoffs.”
Pierce went further, making a prediction that will catch the attention of Celtics fans everywhere.
“I really like the move,” Pierce said. “It really gives them a inside threat, a guy who’s a veteran, who’s been a All-Star, who can take some pressure off Brown.”
Then came the statement that elevated his comments beyond simple analysis.
Pierce believes the Celtics, with Vucevic now in the fold, “could come out the Eastern Conference.”
It was a clear declaration of confidence in what Boston has built this season. Pierce sees the trade as the type of move that could push the Celtics over the top in a wide-open East.
Playoff BOS
Paul Pierce on the Nikola Vučević trade:
“I like Queta but when you add Vučević, it gives them a legit, guy that they can push into the playoffs. I really like the move. It really gives them a inside threat, a guy who’s a veteran, who’s been a All-Star, who can take some
What Vucevic Brings to Boston
Nikola Vucevic gives the Celtics something they have been looking for all season.
The 35-year-old center provides size, experience, and scoring ability in the paint. Vucevic is averaging nearly 17 points and 9 rebounds per game this season while shooting over 50 percent from the floor and close to 38 percent from three-point range.
Pierce specifically mentioned Neemias Queta in his comments, acknowledging that the young center has played well but noting that Vucevic brings a different level of reliability.
Vucevic changes the dynamic. He can start or come off the bench depending on matchups. He can stretch the floor with his shooting while also operating in the post. He gives head coach Joe Mazzulla options that simply did not exist before the trade.
Pierce also pointed out that Vucevic takes pressure off Jaylen Brown. Brown has carried the offensive load all season without Jayson Tatum, averaging nearly 30 points per game while earning his first All-Star starting selection. Adding another scoring threat in the paint allows Brown to operate with more space and less defensive attention.
The financial implications of the trade also work in Boston’s favor. The Celtics save close to $5 million in salary and drop below the first apron for the first time under Mazzulla. The tax penalty gets cut nearly in half, giving the front office more flexibility moving forward.
Nikola Vucevic
GettyThe Boston Celtics have traded for Nikola Vucevic.
How the Celtics Have Looked Since the Trade
Boston has not skipped a beat since acquiring Vucevic.
The Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-100 on Tuesday night, just hours after the trade was announced. Brown led the way with 33 points, while Payton Pritchard added 26 in his first game coming off the bench all season.
The following night, Boston traveled to Houston and dominated the Rockets 114-93. It was a statement performance against one of the league’s best rebounding teams. The Celtics grabbed 65 rebounds, their highest total of the season, and outscored Houston 27-15 in second-chance points.
Queta was a monster on the glass, pulling down 19 rebounds with seven coming on the offensive end. Derrick White led all scorers with 28 points and eight assists.
Boston improved to 33-18 with the win, extending their winning streak to four games. They have won seven of their last eight and are firmly positioned as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics return home for a three-game homestand before the All-Star break. They host the Miami Heat on Friday, the New York Knicks on Super Bowl Sunday, and the Bulls on Tuesday.
Vucevic is expected to join the rotation during that stretch, giving Mazzulla another weapon to deploy as the playoff push intensifies.
Hoop Central
Nikola Vucevic, alongside a healthy Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown, would be very interesting. 🍿
Final Word for the Celtics
Paul Pierce knows what championship basketball looks like in Boston.
He spent 15 seasons with the Celtics, won a title in 2008, and earned Finals MVP honors. When he says a move could push the team to the top of the Eastern Conference, it carries weight.
Pierce’s assessment of the Vucevic trade reflects what many around the league are starting to recognize. Boston has built something legitimate this season. Brown has evolved into an MVP-caliber player. The supporting cast has been steady. The defense has been elite.
Adding Vucevic gives the Celtics another dimension. He provides veteran leadership, interior scoring, and experience.
Pierce sees the potential. The trade for Vucevic signals that the front office sees it too. The Celtics are not rebuilding for next year. They are going for it now.
Whether Boston can come out of the Eastern Conference, as Pierce predicts, will be determined over the next few months. But the pieces are in place. The roster is deep. And the belief is growing that this team can make a serious run.
The homestand begins Friday night against Miami. Vucevic will suit up soon. And the Celtics will keep building toward what they hope is a deep playoff run.