The Celtics have finally made their long-anticipated trade, and it’s a doozy, as they’ve dealt Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Bulls for Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick. Simons’ expiring $27.7 million deal has been floated as a trade chip since the moment he was acquired, and now that chip has been pushed in.
In return, the Celtics get a washed-up, former All-Star big man who has been wasting away in Chicago. Vooch adds some rebounding and floor-spacing in the frontcourt, but he comes with a $21.5 million expiring deal, himself.
Simons is objectively a better player than Vooch at this point in their careers, as the 35-year-old center hasn’t contributed to a winning team in a long time. His poor defense and lack of mobility are definitely major concerns as well.
Celtics deal clearly financially motivated
The tough part about this deal, and the thing that makes it disappointing, is that it was clearly motivated by money. Boston’s tax bill drops from $39.5 million to just $17 million, and they’re now out of the first apron, which means they can sign any player on the buyout market, regardless of their contract.
But unless there’s another deal coming, this is mostly a mechanism to save some money and balance out the roster, moving a scoring guard for a stretch-big. At least that part makes sense, but trading for an aging big man, who’s clearly on the decline, is worrisome for a team that’s chasing a top seed in the East.
Brad Stevens has earned benefit of the doubt
On the other hand, Stevens hasn’t really missed since taking over for Danny Ainge. Vooc is at least a nice option at center to contrast with Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. His pick and pop game should pair well with the team’s ballhandlers, and if Jayson Tatum does come back, there’s some solid two-man game potential.
There’s also a possibility that coming to a contender at this stage in his career could recharge Vucevic’s battery, and we could see some inspired play for the rest of the season as he suddenly finds himself on a contender.
It’s hard to love the trade on paper, but at least the Celtics were able to save money without sacrificing much in the way of assets. There’s a chance Vooch is somewhat helpful, and maybe they extend him on a smaller deal.
Simons has been great for this team, and it’s tough to see him go, but if JT comes back, his scoring role could become redundant. A flier on a stretch-big who can rebound isn’t the worst bet in the world, and if anyone can get the most out of a flawed big man, it’s the Celtics.
I can’t say I love this deal, but in Brad we trust.