The Boston Celtics have obtained Nikola Vucevic along with a second-round draft pick from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round draft pick.
Simons, who joined the Celtics through the earlier Jrue Holiday acquisition, is currently in the final year of his deal at $21.5 million. Vucevic is also in the last season of his contract, carrying the same $21.5 million salary.
The Celtics have been actively seeking to strengthen their center spot, especially given their solid performance even in games without Jayson Tatum exceeding many predictions.
Back in 2021, Boston showed prior interest in Vucevic during the period when the Orlando Magic dealt him to the Bulls.
This season with Boston across 49 appearances averaging 24.5 minutes, Simons has posted 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, connecting on 39.5 percent of his three-point attempts.
Meanwhile, Vucevic has contributed 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over 48 games for Chicago in 30.8 minutes per outing, including a 37.6 percent mark from beyond the arc, providing the Celtics with valuable spacing from the big-man position.
