Nikola Vucevic's time in Chicago has come to an end.
The Chicago Bulls dealt Vucevic along with a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday.
Vucevic has spent the last six seasons in the Windy City since being acquired via trade from the Orlando Magic in the 2020-21 season.
The 35-year-old has remained productive through his 15th season, averaging 16.9 points, nine rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 50.5 per cent from the field and 37.6 per cent from three-point range.
Boston, already possessing the second-best offence in the NBA with a 121.3 offensive rating, has been in need of a more steady centre since trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in the off-season.
In Vucevic, they acquire one of the more offensively focused bigs on the market and one known for his ball-movement ability in the high post. They also acquire a player set to hit free agency after this season, giving them more maneuverability come the summer.
Simons, meanwhile, was acquired by the Celtics in the off-season trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 26-year-old has been a solid bench producer for the Celtics, averaging 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 44 per cent from the field and 39.5 per cent from three-point range.
The Celtics currently sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 31-18 record, while the Bulls are ninth at 24-26.
