Anfernee Simons Traded Twice in a Week, Faces Former Celtics Team

Simons adapts quickly to new roles in Chicago as Celtics gain veteran center Nikola Vucevic ahead of playoff push.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 11:15pm

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In a matter of days, 26-year-old guard Anfernee Simons experienced two trades, going from the Boston Celtics to the Chicago Bulls. This Anfernee Simons trade update highlights the fluid nature of NBA rosters, as Simons expressed appreciation for his time in Boston while embracing the challenge of helping the rebuilding Bulls. Meanwhile, the Celtics acquired veteran center Nikola Vucevic to bolster their frontcourt and playoff aspirations.

Why it matters

Simons' rapid movement between teams underscores the volatility of NBA careers, as players must quickly adapt to new roles and environments. The Celtics' trade for Vucevic signals their intent to solidify their roster for a championship push, while the Bulls' roster overhaul aims to rebound from a disappointing season.

The details

Only 48 hours after his last game with Boston, Simons was in the Bulls' starting lineup after being traded to Chicago in exchange for center Nikola Vucevic. Simons praised Celtics president Brad Stevens for his honesty during the trade discussions, recognizing the strategic reasons behind the move. In Chicago, Simons has made an immediate impact, scoring over 20 points in two of his first three appearances. Bulls coach Billy Donovan has praised Simons' skill set and adaptability, noting his high basketball IQ.

  • Simons was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Chicago Bulls on February 9, 2026.
  • Simons made his debut with the Bulls on February 11, 2026, facing his former Celtics team.

The players

Anfernee Simons

A 26-year-old guard who was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Chicago Bulls in a mid-season deal.

Brad Stevens

The president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, who communicated openly with Simons about the trade.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who has praised Simons' skill set and adaptability.

Nikola Vucevic

A veteran center who was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Boston Celtics, reuniting him with a team positioned to contend deep into the playoffs.

Jayson Tatum

The star player for the Boston Celtics, whose potential return from injury could provide an additional boost to the team.

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What they’re saying

“Brad is a good guy, and he's always been open and honest about everything. Obviously, it was a tough conversation for him, and for me to accept, but we understood. They have a common goal, (which) is to win a championship. So it was just — I'm always appreciative of my time here, and I'm always grateful for it.”

— Anfernee Simons, NBA Player

“I really always admired him as a player. Obviously, he's from Florida. I saw him play in high school when he was at IMG (Academy). I thought he played really well in Portland, and then I think even coming in from Portland, where he was starting, to come off the bench (in Boston), he was a guy that really provided a lot of offense for them. High-IQ player. Obviously, he can score a lot of different levels. He's another guy, I think, because of his feel and his basketball IQ, he can kind of fit in and figure things out pretty quickly.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls

“He's great. I love him. (We spent) five-plus years together, right around five years together. He was told pro. I think he'll fit in very, very well to Boston's team. He could play a lot of different styles, really, really high IQ, and then certainly, I think he gives them a post presence on rolls and switches at the rim, and then also a guy that can stretch it and can also play in the pocket. So it was good to catch up with him, but I think he'll be a very good fit here for them.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls

What’s next

The Celtics will continue to adjust their lineup and rotations to optimize the addition of Vucevic, while Simons looks to build continuity with his new teammates in Chicago.

The takeaway

Simons' rapid trade between the Celtics and Bulls exemplifies the volatility of NBA careers, as players must quickly adapt to new roles and environments. Meanwhile, the Celtics' acquisition of Vucevic signals their intent to solidify their roster for a championship push, underscoring the strategic maneuvering of teams as the playoff race intensifies.