The Chicago Bulls traded center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick on Tuesday afternoon, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
The move marks Chicago's second trade of the day following the earlier three-team deal that brought Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. to the Bulls. Both players involved in this transaction are on expiring contracts.
The Acquisition: Anfernee Simons
Simons, 26, has been averaging 14.2 points and 2.4 assists per game while coming off the bench for the Celtics this season. The 2018 first-round pick is in the final year of a four-year, $100 million contract, earning $27.7 million this season.
Last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons posted 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 36.3% from three-point range in 70 games. He joined Boston in June when the Celtics acquired him and two second-round picks from Portland in exchange for Jrue Holiday.
According to The Athletic's Jay King, Boston began exploring trade options for Simons shortly after acquiring him, seeking roster flexibility despite his production. After keeping him through the start of the season, the Celtics ultimately moved him in this deadline deal.
The trade to Chicago could provide Simons with increased playing time and a larger role, particularly if the Bulls move either Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu before Thursday's deadline. Both White and Dosunmu are unrestricted free agents this summer.
Nikola Vucevic Heads to Boston
Vucevic, 34, has appeared in 48 games for Chicago this season, averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per contest. The 6-foot-9 center is on an expiring $21 million contract.
For Boston, Vucevic addresses a significant need at center. The Celtics have primarily relied on unproven youngsters Neemias Queta and Luka Garza at the position this season, though Queta has emerged as one of the NBA's most improved players with averages of 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
While not a dynamic rim-protector, Vucevic provides the Celtics with additional shooting and rebounding ability that fits their offensive system. His floor-spacing capabilities should complement Boston's star backcourt trio of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
Financial Implications
According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Celtics saved more than $20 million in luxury tax payments by swapping Simons' $27 million expiring contract for Vucevic's $21 million expiring deal. The move allowed Boston to accomplish dual objectives: adding frontcourt help while reducing its tax burden.
The Celtics entered Tuesday with a 31-18 record, tied with the New York Knicks for the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference.
Bulls' Deadline Activity Continues
Chicago's backcourt depth has increased significantly through Tuesday's two trades. The Bulls now roster Josh Giddey, Anfernee Simons, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden Ivey, Tre Jones and Mike Conley Jr. at the guard positions.
With Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline approaching, the Bulls are expected to remain active. White and Dosunmu, both set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, could be moved as Chicago continues reshaping its roster.
The organization's aggressive approach represents a clear shift in direction as the front office evaluates its long-term construction. After facilitating a three-team deal on Sunday that netted two future second-round picks for taking on salary, Chicago has now completed three trades in four days.
Vucevic's departure leaves Jalen Smith as the Bulls' primary center, with the team potentially needing to address frontcourt depth in any subsequent moves before the deadline.