February 04, 2026

Celtics bolster frontcourt with Nikola Vucevic, send Anfernee Simons to Bulls — reports

Celtics bolster frontcourt with Nikola Vucevic, send Anfernee Simons to Bulls — reports
Nikola Vucevic will suit up for his fourth NBA team with the Celtics, while Anfernee Simons’ brief stint in Boston ended with his trade to the Chicago Bulls. | Photo: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls

Add the Boston Celtics to the teams getting busy ahead of the trade deadline. 

The Celtics bolstered their frontcourt depth with the acquisition of veteran big man Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Anfernee Simons, league insider Shams Charania reported Wednesday, February 4 (PH time).

The 35-year-old Vucevic, joining his fourth team after stints with Philadelphia, Orlando, and Chicago, averaged 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds this season for a Bulls squad that started 6-1 but went 18-25 thereafter. 

He immediately slots in as Boston’s starting center, providing experience to a frontline that previously relied on Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Xavier Tillman Sr.

Simons, who arrived in Boston last summer in the Jrue Holiday trade, averaged 14.2 points this season but now heads to Chicago as part of Boston’s roster shakeup. 

 

Earlier moves in the week saw the Bulls send Kevin Huerter and Dario Šaric to Detroit in a three-team swap involving the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.

Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.

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