Veteran Center Vucevic Joins Celtics, Eager to Contribute

35-year-old big man excited for playoff opportunity with new team

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Veteran center Nikola Vucevic was traded to the Boston Celtics this week, joining a team poised for a deep playoff run. Vucevic, who spent the last five-and-a-half seasons with the Chicago Bulls, is eager to contribute to the Celtics' success and embrace the team's championship aspirations.

Why it matters

The addition of Vucevic provides the Celtics with additional frontcourt depth and versatility, complementing the team's existing big men like Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Vucevic's ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches could prove valuable as the Celtics aim to make a deep postseason push.

The details

Vucevic was traded from the Bulls to the Celtics on Tuesday, with Anfernee Simons heading to Chicago in the deal. The 35-year-old big man is excited to join a Celtics team that is currently third in the Eastern Conference standings. Vucevic is expected to come off the bench initially, but coach Joe Mazzulla has indicated the role could be flexible moving forward.

  • Vucevic was traded to the Celtics on Tuesday, February 6, 2026.
  • Vucevic will make his Celtics debut on Friday, February 10, 2026 against the Miami Heat.

The players

Nikola Vucevic

A 35-year-old veteran center who was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Boston Celtics this week.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has had positive initial conversations with Vucevic about his role on the team.

Neemias Queta

The Celtics' starting center this season, who Vucevic believes he can complement well on the court.

Luka Garza

The Celtics' backup center, who Vucevic is familiar with and believes he can play alongside effectively.

Jaylen Brown

One of the Celtics' star players, who Vucevic is excited to play alongside and get acclimated to.

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What they’re saying

“I liked it a lot, actually. I do like to, wherever I go, most cities, not all of them, in most cities, I do like to go out, and visit, and sightsee, and see what's going on.”

— Nikola Vucevic, Celtics Center (bostonsportsjournal.com)

“For me, I look at it as, it motivates me to even try to get to a higher level. I am 35, but I still feel like I have a lot left in the tank, and I can still play at a high level.”

— Nikola Vucevic, Celtics Center (bostonsportsjournal.com)

What’s next

The judge in Vucevic's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This trade represents a new opportunity for the veteran Vucevic to compete in the playoffs for the first time in his career, as he joins a Celtics team poised for a deep postseason run. Vucevic's versatile skill set and experience could prove valuable in complementing the Celtics' existing frontcourt rotation.