The Chicago Bulls have been one of the most active teams at the trade deadline. They were involved with a three-team trade that saw them add Jaden Ivey. With that trade alone, Chicago suddenly had a very crowded backcourt.
That didn’t stop the Bulls from making another trade later in the day. They have decided to add another guard in a trade that sees them send away Nikola Vucevic. Vucevic is a former All-Star center, but he isn’t going to be able to compete in the playoffs this year with Chicago.
Chicago has sent him to the Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons in a very surprising move.
GettyBoston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons dribbles the ball. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls Trade For Anfernee Simons
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bulls have traded Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick. That means that the Bulls have yet another guard to add to a backcourt that is already very crowded.
Simons has been playing some excellent basketball as of late. He gives Chicago someone who can shoot from anywhere on the court and score points in bunches. That is something they need if they are going to compete for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
Right now, the Bulls sit ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. Adding Simons should give them an opportunity to make a push late in the season to secure one of those spots. This trade also means that the future of Coby White is in question.
Adding both Ivey and Simons might mean that White could be on his way out. The Bulls are also getting a bit younger at the guard spot and trading away a center that clearly didn’t fit their timeline any longer. Chicago might not be done making trades.
GettyChicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic shoots the ball. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Bulls Could Still Make More Trades
This trade signals that the Bulls could be looking for a new home for White. That would be a logical move for them to make, considering how committed they are to Josh Giddey. Adding Ivey and Simons also shows they aren’t as committed to White.
This could be the signal of the Bulls finally starting a min-rebuild. Chicago has been stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings for quite a while. This might give them a chance to finally move out of the middle, one way or the other. This trade also gives Chicago a chance to move forward next year.
Simons is going to bring some offensive firepower for Chicago that will get some fans excited to watch the team. Right now, the Bulls have just the 18th-ranked offense in the league. Bringing Simons in will help that ranking, although now Chicago doesn’t have a high-scoring center.
That lack of clarity at the center position could still be resolved by the time the trade deadline passes.
Chicago Bulls Trade for Another Guard in Stunning Move