BREAKING NEWS: Chicago Bulls Trade Nikola Vucevic to Boston Celtics in Exchange for Anfernee Simons
The NBA trade deadline continues to see plenty of action this season, and the Chicago Bulls are seemingly at the center of it. They traded two-time All-Star Center Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics in exchange for combo Guard Anfernee Simons.
Trade Details
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported this trade via X. While the entirety of the details surrounding the trade is still not known, it has been reported that both teams will also swap second-round picks. The Bulls are receiving the more valuable one, as the acquisition of Vucevic will help save the Celtics a significant amount of money regarding the luxury tax.
The Bulls have had a busy day in the lead-up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline, as this latest move is the second trade that Chicago has made within the past few hours. The Bulls also recently traded away players such as Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric in exchange for Timberwolves veteran Point Guard Mike Conley Jr., and Pistons Shooting Guard Jaden Ivey in a three-team trade deal.
The Bulls have also been stocking up on draft picks in their trades, as they’ve so far acquired three future second-round picks in both of their trades.
Simons and Vucevic’s Fit and Impact On Their New Teams
While there are some question marks surrounding the Bulls’ move to add yet another guard to an already crowded backcourt rotation, the Celtics are in a far better position with Vucevic now on the roster.
Boston has used a variety of different centers this season to try to cover up for the loss of Al Horford this past offseason, with players like Neemias Queta and Luke Garza swapping starting roles all season. This move not only strengthens the frontcourt for the Celtics, but it also removes some overcrowding at the guard spot.
The Celtics are currently tied with the New York Knicks for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 31-18, as a career year from All-Star Jaylen Brown has kept Boston afloat. Vucevic will certainly fit very well into the Celtics lineup, as the 35-year-old is averaging a solid 17 points and 9 rebounds this season.
Meanwhile, for the Bulls, this latest move to acquire Simons is almost certainly not the last trade Chicago will make before the deadline. Rumors have swirled that the Bulls are looking to further clean house in anticipation of a complete rebuild. However, it seems like the Bulls are going to roll with Simons for now. He is averaging 14 points per game this season on an efficient 44% from the field, 40% from three, and 89% from the floor.
