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Tim Bontemps
multiple authors
boston celtics has taken over the center Nikola Vucevic in business with Chicago BullsTheir frontcourt includes some much-needed help, sources tell ESPN’s Shams Charania.
boston will trade guard afernee simmons and a second-round draft pick for Chicago, sources told Charania.
After months of speculation about adding a big man and saving money this offseason, the Celtics accomplished both objectives in a single move on Tuesday afternoon.
The 6-foot-9 Vucevic figures to fill a major need at center for the Celtics, who have primarily utilized unproven big men neemias quetta26, and luca garza27, at center this season.
Quetta has been one of the NBA’s most improved players this season, stepping into a full-time starting role and delivering solid production (10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game). But Vucevic has averaged 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds in 48 games this season, and Boston will get extra shooting and rebounding to pivot with Cueta.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that Boston saved more than $20 million in luxury tax payments by swapping Simmons and his $27 million expiring contract with Vucevic and his $21 million expiring deal.
Simmons, 26, averaged 14.2 points per game as a bench player for Boston this season.
The Celtics (32-18), led by their backcourt trio jaylen brown, derrick white And Peyton Pritchardended with tuesday night new York Knicks For the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.
It was the second trade completed on Tuesday by the Bulls, who also made the deal Kevin Huerter till detroit pistons Involved in a three-team trade minnesota timberwolves.
Chicago gets another backcourt player, former Pistons guard, back jaden ivyThat deal left open the possibility of one or both moving forward. kobi white And Ayo Dosunmu – Both of them are unrestricted free agents this summer – ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.
