The Boston Celtics acquired Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls in a trade for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. Celtics legend Paul Pierce praised the move, highlighting Vucevic's veteran presence and inside scoring, and even suggested the trade could help Boston make a serious push in the Eastern Conference.
The Boston Celtics made a bold move before the trade deadline, acquiring Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. The trade strengthens Boston's frontcourt while giving the team more financial flexibility ahead of the offseason.
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The deal has drawn reactions from around the basketball world, but none as notable as Celtics legend Paul Pierce. Speaking on the No Fouls Given show, Pierce praised the move and shared his high expectations.
"It gives 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 Vucevic, it gives them a legit guy that they can push into the playoffs."
Pierce also highlighted Vucevic's veteran presence and ability to ease pressure on head coach Joe Brown.
"I really like the move," Pierce added. "It really gives them an inside threat, a guy who's a veteran, who's been an All-Star, who can take some pressure off Brown."
He then made a bold prediction that has Celtics fans buzzing. Pierce believes that with Vucevic in the fold, Boston "could come out of the Eastern Conference."
Vucevic, 35, remains productive despite his age, averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 48 games this season.
His experience and consistent numbers give the Celtics a reliable inside option as they prepare for the playoffs and position themselves as a serious contender in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
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