Celtics adding Vucevic in trade with Bulls for Simons, AP source says
[February 04, 2026]
By TIM REYNOLDS
The Boston Celtics are adding some frontline depth for
the playoff run, agreeing Tuesday to acquire Nikola Vucevic from the
Chicago Bulls for guard Anfernee Simons, a person with knowledge of the
pending trade said.
There is a package of second-round draft capital also involved in the
trade, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition
of anonymity because the deal is still pending the required league
approval. |
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, left, and forward Matas Buzelis
warm up before an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Thursday,
Jan. 29, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) |
|
The 35-year-old Vucevic is joining his fourth team after stints
with Philadelphia, Orlando and the Bulls. He has averaged 16.9
points and 9.0 rebounds this season, roughly matching his career
marks of 17.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
Simons was with the Celtics for just this season, after coming
to Boston in the trade last summer that sent Jrue Holiday to
Portland. He averaged 14.2 points this season for the Celtics,
who entered Tuesday tied with New York for second in the Eastern
Conference despite being without Jayson Tatum all season while
he recovers from a torn Achilles.
The move will also lessen Boston's tax bill considerably, from
about $39 million to roughly $17 million. There are other
financial flexibilities that the Celtics pick up as part of the
deal as well, which could be turned into other moves.
Both players are set to be free agents this summer.
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