NBA insider believes the Celtics' acquisition of Nikola Vucevic is a clear sign they expect Jayson Tatum to return for the postseason.
With Jayson Tatum making significant strides toward returning from the Achilles tear he suffered in last year's playoffs, there is still hope he could be back this season.
Boston Celtics / Schedule
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Boston Celtics' acquisition of Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline was a clear signal that the team believes Tatum will return for the postseason run.
"Sources say that the Celtics' decision to acquire Nikola Vucevic from Chicago before the trade deadline, in exchange for Anfernee Simons' expiring contract, was a clear indicator that Boston believes Tatum will indeed return for a postseason run," Fischer reports.
According to the latest update, Tatum participated in full five-on-five practice on Monday, working alongside rostered teammates, two-way players, and G League players. It marked the first time he competed in live action against teammates since his injury.
Before the injury, Tatum was coming off a strong 2024-25 season, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three-point range. He remained the centerpiece of Boston's offense and one of the league's top two-way wings.
Despite missing their franchise player, the Celtics have remained competitive. Boston holds a 34-19 record and sits second in the Eastern Conference, maintaining a strong position ahead of the playoff push.
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