Overview
- Multiple outlets report Boston will receive Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick, with Chicago getting Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, pending league approval.
- Vucevic, 35, is averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds this season and is on an expiring $21.5 million contract.
- The move positions Boston below the first tax apron, and cap analysts say it enables creation of a traded-player exception roughly equal to Simons’ $27.7 million salary.
- Simons, 26, averaged 14.2 points off the bench for Boston on an expiring deal, which trims the Celtics' guard depth.
- Chicago’s backcourt becomes crowded after adding Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley, signaling possible further roster moves before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.