Overview
- Boston sends Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to Chicago for Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick in a deal widely reported Tuesday.
- Vucevic, 35, averages 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds this season and supplies a floor-spacing center to reinforce Boston’s frontcourt.
- Exchanging Simons’ $27.7 million expiring for Vucevic’s $21.5 million expiring reduces the Celtics’ tax penalty and provides cap flexibility.
- Dropping below the first apron expands Boston’s maneuverability, including use of traded-player exceptions and greater access to the buyout market.
- Chicago adds a 14.2-points-per-game guard to an already crowded backcourt after bringing in Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley, while Boston may look for a backup guard before Thursday’s deadline.