NBA Trade Deadline: Celtics Trade Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic from the Bulls
NBA - Boston acquires Nikola Vučević, strengthening the frontcourt while shedding over $20 million in luxury tax.
Jan 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) dunks the ball against the LA Clippers during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Nikola Vucevic (6’10 », 35 years old) arrives in Boston. The Montenegrin center completes a frontcourt that desperately needed a center to continue playing a leading role in the 2025-2026 season.
The Boston Celtics land their new center at this week’s trade deadline: pic.twitter.com/GaF2GInQcu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
An Experienced Reinforcement to Fill Needs at Center
After months of speculation regarding adding a big man and reducing payroll, the Celtics accomplished both goals in one move Tuesday afternoon. The 6’10 » player should fill a major need at center for Boston, which has primarily relied on inexperienced youngsters Neemias Queta and Luka Garza this season.
Queta has been one of the most improved players statistically this season, establishing himself as a full-time starter with solid averages of 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. However, Vucevic is averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds in 48 games this season with the Bulls, bringing Boston additional outside shooting and rebounding ability to complement Queta in the paint.
An Economically Advantageous Trade for Boston
According to ESPN, Boston also saved over $20 million in luxury tax payments through this trade, swapping Simons and his expiring $27 million contract for Vucevic and his expiring $21 million contract. Simons, 26 years old, was averaging 14.2 points per game off the bench for Boston this season.
The Celtics (31-18), led by their trio of star guards consisting of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, were tied with the New York Knicks for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference before Tuesday. This was the second trade made Tuesday by the Bulls, who also sent Kevin Huerter to the Detroit Pistons in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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Sylvain Sultat suit la NBA au quotidien, entre performances individuelles, dynamiques collectives et grandes histoires de la ligue. Sur BeBasket, il décrypte l’actualité américaine avec passion et régularité, toujours à l’affût des tendances qui font bouger le monde du basket.
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