A crucial component of the Boston Celtics' trade with the Chicago Bulls is that the former created a $27.7 million traded player exception. They did so by absorbing Nikola Vucevic into a $22.5 million TPE they gained when trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. Now, they'll have an even larger one for Anfernee Simons' salary at their disposal for a year.
Of course, for the Celtics to utilize their new traded player exception, whether it's to absorb a sizable salary or acquire multiple players whose contracts fit into it, all teams involved must be satisfied with the deal. Still, it's a nice asset to have and could pave the way to landing a new core member of the roster or at least one impactful role player.
Unlike with Simons' salary, since he is likely headed for a significant paycut this offseason, there's also no rush to capitalize on their newly created TPE.
Leftover musings from the Anfernee Simons trade
It's more likely than not that Boston isn't through dealing. The first place to look is Chris Boucher's direction. He has only appeared in nine games with the Celtics. He's on a one-year, $2.2 million contract.
With multiple teams, including the Phoenix Suns, reportedly expressing interest in him, his days with Boston appear numbered. Even if the organization doesn't find him a new home by Thursday's trade deadline, a buyout makes sense in that scenario. It's also an avenue that would allow the team to preserve its second-round capital, should its inclusion be necessary to move the eight-year veteran.
As far as getting under the luxury tax goes, the Celtics, who are now below the first apron, are still above the former threshold by $5.8 million. If they're under the luxury tax this season and next, they will reset the repeater tax. Given its punitive nature, that would be a significant achievement.
Dodging the luxury tax this league year would require doing more than parting with Boucher and Xavier Tillman Sr. Keep in mind that Boston must field a roster with at least 14 players. And while, at times, the business side of basketball requires painful procedures, Tillman is a respected veteran who helped them win a championship.
Nikola Vucevic musings
As for the individual the Celtics acquired on Tuesday, there are two questions regarding Vucevic at the front of this author's mind. The first is whether he will take Neemias Queta's place in the starting lineup. The guess here is that it won't happen.
While the two-time All-Star has veteran and contractual status on his side, he also understands that a trade to a new team could mean adapting to a new role.
"I do understand that my role eventually could, maybe next season, change," Vucevic told The Athletic's Joel Lorenzi at Tuesday's morning shootaround before getting dealt to Boston. "I might take on a smaller role on a team. Come off the bench, things like that. I'm fine with that."
With Queta thriving in the first unit, the Celtics might prefer not to rock the boat.
The second matter relating to the 15th-year center is whether the vision is to re-sign him this summer. The 35-year-old is on an expiring $21.4 million contract. His following deal figures to be for a reduced rate.
If he acclimates well in Boston, as Simons did, perhaps he could stick around. Al Horford had different relationships and far more experiences with most of the Celtics' roster. However, this would give them a veteran presence, one respected within his previous locker rooms, at the center position, for more than a few months.
What does this trade say about Jayson Tatum's timeline to return?
One can't assume the star forward will return this season. Even if that's the plan, it takes one setback -- God forbid -- to delay his first game back until the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
One must also respect the mental and emotional sides of Tatum's rehab. Those can be the most difficult hurdles to get over.
One can justify what this trade signals about the five-time All-NBA selection's return date whichever way they'd like. What's concrete is that, regardless of when that happens, the Celtics lowered their tax bill from $39.5 million to $17 million.
They got below the first apron. They also set themselves up to potentially get underneath the luxury tax next. As covered, that would mean they're halfway toward resetting the repeater tax. Steps like that will benefit their future rosters.
It was a transaction that offered value independent of the next time Tatum steps out onto the TD Garden parquet in uniform. It also meant the most practical response was to move Payton Pritchard back to the role of sixth man.
Reconfiguring the roster this way will look a lot better if a six-time All-Star enters the fold this season. Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that. While this author still believes it's progressing in that direction, the Celtics had to make a decision they felt good about, regardless of how the remainder of Tatum's rehab goes.
Bidding adieu to Anfernee Simons
The 26-year-old guard arrived in Boston eager to earn a reputation as a winning player. He did everything the organization asked of him. That helped him accomplish his goal and earned him respect from all corners of the franchise.
"He has made a conscious effort to play winning basketball," said Jaylen Brown following the Celtics' 132-106 victory vs. the Atlanta Hawks. "I give him all the respect in the world."
In mid-December, Brad Stevens conveyed, "He's a quiet guy, but just a super person, and so he's really come in with a great mindset: 'I'm going to help the team any way I can. And offensively, he knows he's capable of going nuts in any given game. But then defensively, I've just been really impressed, like, he's picked up, he's made it hard. I think he's made great strides in the months he's been here on that end. And I'm a big fan. I like him a lot."
In his time in Boston, Simons shone in a new light as more of a two-way player than previously in his career. That will help a player heading for free agency.
Off the court, his family built bonds within his new franchise, and an organization that places a premium on its culture found him a joy to have on board.
There's also an appreciation from this side for an individual who provides thoughtful answers and pleasant interactions with the media. He was a joy to cover.
Now, it's time to bid adieu to a person who became a better player with the Celtics, even while sacrificing offensively, builds on that development in his next chapter.