Nikola Vučević is in the middle of his 15th NBA season. The former All-Star is averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest while shooting 50.5% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range in 48 games.
Now, after a surprise trade on Tuesday afternoon, the veteran center will join his fourth NBA team after the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics agreed to a blockbuster deal.
Chicago Bulls Trade Nikola Vučević to Boston Celtics in Surprise Deal
On Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the news that the Celtics are trading for Vučević.
Via Charania: “BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN.”
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/aScaobfZmv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Here’s what the NBA world had to say about the deal:
Keith Smith: “1. Not sure I love that as the return for the Celtics. Boston is now under the first apron and roughly $6M from being under the tax. 2. Boston needs a backup ballhandler and bench scorer. 3. How many guards does Chicago need???”
@MikeKennedyNFL: “The years long trade rumors are done. The Celtics have been searching for a stretch big since losing Horford & Porzingis, and Nikola Vucevic fills that role. He can still score and rebound, but at 35, his already poor defense sticks out. Hopefully Boston’s stability helps there”
WHATTTTTT
— CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) February 3, 2026
Legion Hoops: “Nikola Vucevic becomes a free agent this summer. Celtics trying to win now. Could this convince Jayson Tatum to return this season?”
@KevinOConnor: “Nice move for Boston. Vucevic adds a new dimension to the frontcourt rotation. Makes sense for Chicago too. Vooch had no future there. Maybe Simons could.”
Nice move for Boston. Vucevic adds a new dimension to the frontcourt rotation.
Makes sense for Chicago too. Vooch had no future there. Maybe Simons could.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 3, 2026
Vučević previously played for the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, and he is a two-time NBA All-Star.
The former USC star has career averages of 17.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest while shooting 49.8% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range in 1,020 games.
Major loss for Boston too though. Simons had become a significantly important contributor for them. Feels like this lowers their floor more than it raises their ceiling
— Nathan Carroll (@Nathan_26_) February 3, 2026
The Celtics are currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 31-18 record in 49 games.
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Boston is in the midst of a two-game winning streak (and 7-3 over their last 10).
On Tuesday night, the Celtics will play Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks in Texas.
