Celtics Acquire Nikola Vucevic from Bulls, Send Anfernee Simons in Exchange

Morgan Winslow

Published: February 3, 2026 4:36 PM ET

Celtics Acquire Nikola Vucevic from Bulls, Send Anfernee Simons in Exchange

Anfernee Simons has been traded once again as he transitions from the Boston Celtics to the Chicago Bulls. This move comes after a brief stint with Boston, where he was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers.

Celtics Acquire Nikola Vučević from Bulls

In this recent transaction, the Celtics sent Simons along with a second-round pick to the Bulls in exchange for veteran center Nikola Vučević and a second-round pick. This trade was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Performance Overview

Anfernee Simons: Averaged 14.2 points and 2.4 assists per game with the Celtics this season.
Nikola Vučević: Averaged 16.9 points and 9 rebounds per game in the current season.

Simons, primarily coming off the bench for Boston, now has the opportunity to showcase his skills with the Bulls. Vučević’s addition to the Celtics strengthens their lineup, particularly addressing their need for a solid center.

Strategic Implications

This trade marks a significant shift for both teams. The Celtics initially acquired Simons by sending Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers, hoping to enhance their roster flexibility. However, after evaluating Simons’ fit, they opted to pursue Vučević, who brings rebounding and shooting capabilities to Boston’s offensive strategy.

Future Considerations

Simons is in the final year of a four-year, $100 million contract, earning $27.7 million for this season. Although he demonstrated potential by averaging nearly 19.3 points last season, his defensive game remains a concern.

For the Bulls, integrating Simons could provide an opportunity for growth, particularly if Coby White is traded in the future. Both the Celtics and Bulls will be looking to capitalize on this trade as they aim for postseason success.