The Boston Celtics have faced a challenging offseason following Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles tendon in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
In a series of moves designed to shed salary and avoid second-apron penalties, Boston traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in June. With Al Horford expected to depart and Luke Kornet now with the San Antonio Spurs, the Celtics’ frontcourt is looking much different than it did last year.
Boston is set to rely on Neemias Queta, Chris Boucher and Luka Garza at center. While the club is reportedly excited to see Queta’s growth, the Celtics could move for another big man, especially if the current group underperforms.
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Celtics-Bulls trade swaps Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic
The Celtics are bracing for a gap year with Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign. Josh Canu of NBC Sports Boston recently outlined a trade pitch that could help them become a more well-rounded team, rerouting Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls for two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic
Boston still has Derrick White and Jaylen Brown to shoulder the load while Tatum is sidelined. Still, Vucevic has averaged a double-double in seven consecutive seasons and would provide a reliable option at center. Adding him alongside White and Brown could help Boston remain a playoff-caliber team, with the possibility of Tatum returning for the postseason.
Vucevic has been on the trade block for some time, and acquiring him for Simons would also save the Celtics nearly $6.2 million. Additionally, he doesn’t carry a long-term financial commitment, entering the final year of his contract.
Simons has been involved in trade talks since the Celtics acquired him in exchange for Holiday, making this proposed deal a viable option for both sides.
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