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BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, smiles during a press conference at Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics made one of the biggest trades before the trade deadline of any team. They decided to make a move for another center, trading Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic. It was a move that helped them get under the first apron of the luxury tax, as well.
Simons had been playing well for Boston off the bench over the last six weeks or so. He was someone that the Celtics could have come off the bench and score points in bunches. Now, he is in Chicago. Vucevic gives Boston some more options at the center spot.
Brad Stevens was the person who pulled off this deal and all of the trades they made in the offseason. He discussed the Vucevic/Simons trade with the media and why he decided to make that move.
GettyChicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic shoots the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Celtics’ Brad Stevens Gives Reasoning for Nikola Vucevic Trade
Stevens addressed why they decided to trade for Vucevic at the deadline.
“That was a move done in large part to balance out our positional needs. And it’s a hard decision when you have to move a person like Anf, who’s been so good, such a great teammate. Thought we had a little more depth and opportunity at guard to cover that. And if we were able to get a big that has a similar impact from a standpoint of, I guess, filling different statistical needs, and gave us some more insurance in case of any big depth issues.”
Up to this point, Neemias Queta has been the starting center for the Celtics. He has played well, but this move gives them the option to move him to the bench if they want. Vucevic also spreads the floor, which is not something that Queta does.
GettyChicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic dribbles the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Celtics Trading for Vucevic Could Mean Jayson Tatum is Returning
The trade for Vuecevic could signal that the Celtics are expecting to get Tatum back into the fold. He is someone whom they can rely on to handle the ball with Simons no longer on the roster. He has not made a full decision on whether or not he is returning this season.
Tatum has been posting progress updates all season long in hopes of returning for the stretch run, but he still remains unsure if he will actually play this year. Without him in the lineup, the Celtics have the best offense in the NBA. Tatum doesn’t want to mess up that chemistry.
Adding Tatum would make Boston the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, especially with the addition of Vucevic in this trade. Tatum is one of the best players in the NBA, but the Celtics will only put him out on the court if he is 100 percent healthy.
Boston is good enough to win the East, but only if Tatum returns. If he doesn’t return this year, they can return to title contention next season with Vucevic as part of the core.