The Celtics’ most realistic path to adding an impact big man and shoring up their frontcourt was always going to involve Anfernee Simons and his $27.6 million expiring contract. With the NBA’s February 5 trade deadline looming, Brad Stevens and the Celtics’ front office ultimately took that route, sending Simons and a second-round pick to the Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic and a second-rounder of their own.
Since arriving in Boston last June as part of the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons has made significant strides as a two-way player. The 26-year-old averaged 14.2 points and 2.4 assists per game this season across 49 games (all off the bench), shooting 44% from the field and 39.5% from three, while growing more comfortable within the Celtics’ system on both ends of the floor.
Vucevic, a first-round pick (16th overall) by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011, is now in his 15th NBA season, averaging 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He is one of the best floor-spacing big men the league has to offer, shooting 39.1% from three over the last two seasons on 4.5 attempts per game.
He has posted a 21.0% defensive rebounding percentage, one of only 17 players (min. 40 games played) north of 20% this season, an area the Celtics have struggled in, ranking 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage. The 35-year-old, who has appeared in 48 games for Chicago this season, is the only player in the NBA this season with at least 400 rebounds and 80 made threes.
He is making $21.5 million on an expiring deal.
Center depth had become a pressing need. As pleasant as the surprises of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have been, the Celtics have otherwise leaned heavily on small-ball lineups. And while Simons made a compelling case to stay with his buy-in to his role, improved defense, ability to score in bunches, and create offense, the need for size outweighed the luxury of another guard — particularly with the possibility of Jayson Tatum’s return, which would inevitably shrink the number of available shots in the rotation.
The move also creates meaningful financial flexibility. The deal drops the Celtics out of the first apron, reduces their projected tax bill from $39.5 million to $17 million, and restores their ability to sign a waived player who previously earned $14.1 million or more. Boston now sits just $6 million away from being under the luxury tax altogether.
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