Bulls Trade Nikola Vucevic to Celtics for Anfernee Simons, Sources Reveal
The Boston Celtics have successfully traded for center Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls, enhancing their frontline capabilities. The trade, confirmed by sources, has also sent guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round draft pick to Chicago. This strategic move addresses Boston’s pressing need for a quality big man.
Bulls Trade Vucevic to Celtics for Simons
This trade marks a significant moment in Boston’s season, as the team has been exploring options to strengthen their center position. Vucevic stands at 6-foot-9 and brings essential skills to the Celtics’ roster.
Performance Stats
- Nikola Vucevic: Averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds in 48 games this season.
- Anfernee Simons: Averaged 14.2 points per game as a bench player for Boston.
- Neemias Queta: Delivering solid performance with 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Vucevic provides the Celtics with improved scoring and rebounding capabilities, complementing the emerging talent of Neemias Queta, who has impressed this season. Meanwhile, Simons, who has a $27 million expiring contract, has been traded for Vucevic’s $21 million expiring deal, allowing Boston to save over $20 million in luxury tax obligations.
Celtics in the Eastern Conference
The Celtics currently hold a record of 32-18, tying them with the New York Knicks for the second-best position in the Eastern Conference. Their success is reflected in the performance of their backcourt trio, consisting of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard.
Chicago Bulls’ Trade Moves
This trade for Vucevic adds to the Bulls’ transaction activity, as they had also recently traded guard Kevin Huerter to the Detroit Pistons in a separate three-team deal that involved the Minnesota Timberwolves. In that transaction, the Bulls acquired former Pistons guard Jaden Ivey.
With the impending trade deadline just hours away, the Bulls may consider further changes, potentially moving players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, both of whom are unrestricted free agents this summer.
