Celtics have painfully obvious trade partner for a Anfernee Simons trade

The Boston Celtics face significant roster changes, losing key players Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet, leaving them with a major weakness at the center position. To address this, they are suggested to target Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic.

The Celtics possess a potential trade asset in guard Anfernee Simons, acquired from Portland in the Holiday deal. Simons is noted as a highly accurate high-volume three-point shooter. Conversely, Vucevic is coming off a strong season averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shooting 40.2% on three-pointers, making a potential swap logical.

Boston's center depth is critically low after the departures, with only two (or potentially three) non-starting caliber centers on the roster, increasing the urgency to acquire someone like Vucevic. Despite Jayson Tatum's season-long absence potentially weakening them, the Celtics are still projected as a top-four Eastern Conference team, but resolving the center issue is seen as vital for a deep playoff run.

While Simons' shooting fits Boston's style, the team already has solid guard depth (Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown), making him a luxury. Trading him for Vucevic would provide a much-needed starting center, upgrading their weakest position despite Vucevic's known defensive deficiencies.

Vucevic, even at 34, is considered a viable starting center if he maintains production (e.g., 15 points, 10 rebounds, efficient high-volume three-point shooting) and represents the best available option without a burdensome long-term contract. For the Bulls, who are unlikely to re-sign Vucevic, acquiring Simons would add guard depth; he wouldn't start but could excel in a sixth-man role during his contract year.

Overall, acquiring a starting center like Vucevic is viewed as a significant need for Boston after losing three big men. While uncertain, a Simons-for-Vucevic trade is presented as a deal that makes sense for both franchises.