Hall of Famer and Celtics champion raves about Nikola Vucevic trade

The Boston Celtics accomplished two significant goals at this year's trade deadline. On the court, acquiring Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls brings stability to the center position. That's a spot they were thin at behind Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Now, even with this author projecting that their new addition will come off the bench, they've added a starting-caliber player to the front court.

The Celtics also got under the luxury tax. That brings significant savings and flexibility. If they stay below that threshold next season, they'll reset the repeater tax. That opens the door to operate aggressively in future campaigns.

As far as Vucevic goes, that's a pick-up that Paul Pierce spoke glowingly about in a recent edition of "No Fouls Given."

Paul Pierce shares his thoughts on the Celtics adding Vucevic

While discussing Boston's big move with podcast co-hosts Danny Green and Wosny Lambre, the Basketball Hall of Famer was thrilled about the move made by the team he once captained.

"It gives them depth at the big spot, especially now that we know that the Celtics are going to be a playoff team," voiced Pierce. "I like Queta, but when you add Vučević, it gives them a legit guy that they can push into the playoffs. So, I really like the move. It really gives them an inside threat, a guy who's a veteran, who's been an All-Star, who can take some pressure off Brown."

And with the Eastern Conference wide open, the former Finals MVP also stated his belief in what this move can do for Boston's playoff prospects.

"Now that we see who they're gonna be, they can come out of the East," expressed Pierce.

At 33-18, the Celtics share the same record as the New York Knicks, who occupy the second seed in the Eastern Conference standings. Boston is generating 120.7 points per 100 possessions, which matches the Denver Nuggets for the highest offensive rating in the league. At the other end of the floor, the 18-time champions are limiting opponents to 108.6 points per game, the second-fewest in the Association. The C's have produced the second-highest net rating in the 2025-26 campaign.

While it is unfortunate to see Simons depart for Chicago, adding Vucevic addresses a position of need. To Pierce's point, that will help a group that has proven itself to be a contender in the East. Moving Payton Pritchard to the role of sixth man again allows the Celtics to keep a primary ball handler on the floor at all times.

And if Jayson Tatum returns this season, while maintaining fair expectations for what type of impact he can make, he doesn't need to immediately reclaim his spot as a top-five player in the league to prove the most significant addition made during the current campaign. If he does that, it's another meaningful boost to Boston's playoff prospects.