2-for-2 swap! Celtics pull off an epic deal! Welcome, All-Star center!

Another trade has been finalized.

Insider Shams reports:The Celtics trade Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Bulls for Vučević and a second-round pick.

Following this move, the Celtics’ luxury tax bill decreases from $39.5 million to $17 million, putting them under the first luxury tax apron and allowing them to sign a waived player whose original contract was above the full mid-level exception.

So far this season, Simons has appeared in 49 games all off the bench, averaging 24.5 minutes with 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He shoots 39.5% from the field and hits 2.7 three-pointers per game, making him a strong contender for Sixth Man of the Year. Unfortunately, his $27.68 million contract year salary became one reason the Celtics decided to let him go.

As for the Celtics’ new addition Vučević, standing 2.06 meters tall with a 2.25-meter wingspan, he has averaged 30.8 minutes, 16.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season. He shoots 50.5% overall and 37.6% from three, making 1.7 threes per game. Vučević, earning $21.48 million this contract year, is a two-time All-Star.

His arrival clearly boosts the new team’s frontcourt depth significantly. Currently, the Celtics’ starting center is Robert Williams III, who stands 2.13 meters tall with a 2.24-meter wingspan, averaging 10.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game this season, shooting 63.5% from the field.

Up to now,the Celtics hold a 31-18 record, ranking third in the Eastern Conference, having caught up in wins with the second-place Knicks.With Vučević joining and Jayson Tatum potentially returning this season from a right Achilles tendon rupture, the team still has strong hopes to push forward aggressively and even make a run back to the Finals.

The Celtics’ unexpected strong performance despite doubts is undoubtedly thanks mainly to Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who is averaging a career-high 29.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1 steal per game this season, shooting 48.5% overall and 36.2% from three, currently ranked fifth in the latest MVP race.