The Bulls are making their second trade of the day. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Chicago is now sending starting center Nikola Vučević and a second-round pick to the Celtics in exchange for wing Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick after earlier Tuesday’s three-team trade with the Timberwolves and Pistons that brought them Mike Conley Jr. and Jaden Ivey.
It was clear that Chicago was intent on moving Vučević at the deadline, and it’s a needed pickup for Boston, who was looking for an additional player in the frontcourt outside of Neemias Queta.
Simons’ contract was one that many thought could be dealt before the deadline for roster assistance. Simons was acquired by the Celtics in the trade that sent guard Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers last summer.
With Simons’ departure, Boston has now balanced out its roster and strengthened its frontcourt. With a 31-18 record and third-place standing in the East going into Tuesday night’s game against the Mavericks, Jayson Tatum’s possible late-season return has not been ruled out.
In an attempt to strengthen their scoring as they try to make a postseason run, the Bulls in Chicago have now added Simons, Conley, and Ivey to their backcourt. With a season record of 24–26, the Bulls sit in ninth place in the East.
