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NBA Trade Season LIVE 34s ago The Celtics get more help in the middle with veteran Nikola Vučević Michael Reaves / Getty Images The Boston Celtics are acquiring center Nikola Vučević from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. The two teams will also trade future second-round picks to each other as part of the deal. In acquiring Vučević, the Celtics also get closer to getting out of the luxury tax. Both players are on expiring contracts, with Simons making $27. 7 million and Vučević making $21. 5 million. Advertisement Simons, 26, averaged 14. 2 points per game during his brief Celtics tenure. His sharpshooting and playmaking helped turn the Boston bench into a surprising strength. Several times, Coach Joe Mazzulla raved about Simons’ mindset as he accepted his new role and contributed to the team’s winning efforts. But while Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have been pleasant surprises in the frontcourt, the Celtics had more need for a big man like Vučević than another guard like Simons. There was reason from the start to believe Simons’ stay in Boston would be short. Though the Celtics valued his approach, their financial situation dictated that he was a trade candidate from the moment they acquired him from Portland in July in the deal for Jrue Holiday. The Celtics entered the trade deadline about $12. 1 million over the luxury tax threshold without many options other than Simons’ $27. 7 million expiring contract to shed significant salary. His second-unit role was steady this season but the team also needed to account for Jayson Tatum’s eventual return, diminishing the need for additional playmaking. Whether Tatum comes back from a torn Achilles this season or next, his presence will push everyone down a notch in the hierarchy. This story will be updated. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle