The Boston Celtics are hitting the reset button in a big way for the 2025-26 season, and their latest move is a jaw-dropper. In a bold trade, the Celtics are reportedly shopping Anfernee Simons, the high-flying guard they just acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jrue Holiday. Now, they’re eyeing a deal with the Chicago Bulls to bring in Nikola Vucevic, a former All-Star who once struck fear into the hearts of NBA defenses. This blockbuster swap could reshape both teams’ futures while keeping the Celtics’ teardown party rolling.
A Celtics Roster in Flux
The 2025-26 Celtics are a far cry from the championship-caliber squad of yesteryear. Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury in the 2024-25 playoffs has him sidelined until at least the All-Star break, if not longer. Jaylen Brown, fresh off arthroscopic knee surgery, is expected to be ready for training camp, but the team’s core has been gutted. Kristaps Porzingis was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal, netting Boston Georges Niang, a 2031 second-round pick, and cash. And now, the Simons experiment might already be over.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Celtics are “actively trying to trade Anfernee Simons,” with other teams confirming Boston’s eagerness to move the 26-year-old guard. Simons, known for his electric scoring but questionable defense, doesn’t quite fit the Celtics’ gritty, defensive identity—or their goal to slash salary during this rebuild. With his contract expiring at season’s end, Boston faces a choice: extend him a near-max deal or cut bait now. They’re choosing the latter, and the Chicago Bulls might be the perfect trade partner.
Enter Nikola Vucevic: The Veteran Answer
The Chicago Bulls, mired in their own transitional phase, are ready to part ways with Nikola Vucevic, whose expiring contract and proven production make him an ideal target for Boston. Vucevic, coming off one of his best statistical seasons in 2024-25, brings a veteran presence, legit starting-center skills, and no long-term financial commitment—perfect for a Celtics team aiming to stay competitive while rebuilding.
The proposed trade would see Simons head to Chicago, with Vucevic and potentially other players or draft picks coming to Boston to balance the salary cap. For the Celtics, Vucevic checks every box: he’s a reliable double-double machine, a respected locker room leader, and a player they won’t need to re-sign for big bucks in 2026. His ability to stretch the floor and dominate the paint could keep Boston watchable, even in a tanking season, while mentoring younger players.
Why Chicago Says Yes
The Bulls, as Bill Simmons bluntly put it, are a team with a murky future. With $85 million in expiring contracts and a roster that lacks clear direction, Chicago is banking on youth and flexibility.
The Celtics are actively attempting to find a trade for Anfernee Simons, per @WindhorstESPN (https://t.co/i5qQm4Tpiz).
Simons, who was acquired from the Trail Blazers for Jrue Holiday, could net Boston some future assets.
Simons is on a $27.7 million expiring contract. pic.twitter.com/LugLuEIGzi
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 9, 2025
Simons, at just 26, fits their run-and-gun style perfectly. His scoring prowess—averaging over 20 points per game in recent seasons—could pair nicely with Coby White and Matas Buzelis in a high-octane backcourt. Plus, with Simons’ contract also expiring, the Bulls aren’t locked into a massive long-term deal. If he shines in 2025-26, they’ve got a young, athletic bucket-getter under team control. If not, they can let him walk and pivot to 2026 free agency.
The Great Boston Reboot Rolls On
This trade is a win-win. Boston sheds Simons’ potential long-term salary while adding a proven veteran who keeps them competitive without derailing their rebuild. Chicago, meanwhile, gets a young scorer who could be a cornerstone—or at worst, a low-risk rental.
Celtics offseason: Post Porzingis
* 13 players under contract (including 1st)
* Enough room for vet minimum and second rd. pick pic.twitter.com/fr6EJ86OLb— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 25, 2025
The Celtics’ teardown is proving to be a wild ride: impulsive trades, lowball offers, and a deep dive into the G-League are all part of the fun. And with Vucevic, a former superstar who once terrorized the league, Boston might just have the veteran spark to make this tank year a little less painful.