Imagine a world where NBA teams are constantly reshaping their rosters, and the Boston Celtics are no exception. With trade season in full swing, the Celtics have made a notable move by trading Anfernee Simons along with a second-round draft pick to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for talented big man Nikola Vucevic. This deal not only brings Vucevic into the fold but also allows President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens some breathing room to explore further trades before the NBA's rapidly approaching deadline on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
After the Celtics celebrated a victory against the Dallas Mavericks, Chris Forsberg, a trusted Celtics Insider, took to the airwaves on the Celtics Talk Podcast alongside co-host Kayla Burton to delve into the implications of this trade. They discussed how Boston managed to trim approximately $6 million from their payroll, a strategic move that positions them favorably under the first luxury tax apron of the NBA. To put it in perspective, Simons had a hefty salary of $27.7 million this season compared to Vucevic’s more manageable $21.5 million.
Forsberg pointed out that by maneuvering under this financial threshold, the Celtics unlocked a significant opportunity: "They've now stepped away from the first apron, which opens up a crucial advantage. If a player earning more than the mid-level exception—around $14.5 million—is waived, the Celtics can now pursue that player," he explained. This flexibility is particularly valuable because while many players entering the buyout market tend to be veterans nearing the end of their careers, there occasionally arise hidden gems.
The buyout market is important for teams looking to fill gaps without sacrificing future assets, as it allows players who have been let go through trade to sign with new teams following the Thursday deadline. The Celtics previously demonstrated their knack for finding valuable contributors in this way back in 2008 when they added P.J. Brown and Sam Cassell, who played pivotal roles in their championship run.
Looking ahead, Forsberg suggested that it wouldn’t be surprising if the Celtics pursued another trade, especially with Chris Boucher, a bench player, being a probable candidate for movement. "It seems likely that something else could happen," Forsberg remarked. "Boucher doesn’t appear to be a long-term fit here, so we’ll see what unfolds next."
The Celtics still have various trade exceptions available at their disposal, giving them the means to make impactful changes. Depending on how much salary they take on, they could even find themselves back on the first apron, but the upcoming departure of Boucher’s salary should provide sufficient financial clearance to facilitate new acquisitions.
So, what type of player should the Celtics prioritize in their quest for additional depth? Forsberg suggested they could benefit from a seasoned veteran guard to bolster their backcourt alongside Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. He likened the ideal addition to Kris Dunn—a player known for his defensive skills and ability to support ball-handling duties, even if his postseason minutes may be limited. "A player like that, especially if acquired on a minimum deal, would be invaluable for navigating both the end of the regular season and potential playoff scenarios. Sometimes, these guys can unexpectedly shine when given the chance."
However, as the landscape shifts, it's worth noting that Dunn might be solidifying his role with the Los Angeles Clippers after their recent trade involving James Harden. A name to keep an eye on, however, could be veteran guard Mike Conley, who is rumored to be on the verge of being bought out or traded by the Bulls after a recent three-team deal that brought him from Minnesota to Chicago. Although Conley, now 38, has seen better days, his extensive playoff experience—having played in 108 postseason games—could provide the Celtics with the depth they seek as they push towards the playoffs.
