Chicago Bulls face former center Vucevic in Celtics uniform
Nikola Vucevic returns to the United Center in a Boston Celtics uniform to face his former Chicago Bulls teammates for the first time since his trade.
Vucevic, who spent three seasons anchoring the Bulls’ frontcourt from 2021 to 2024, was traded to Boston in a deadline deal that reshaped both franchises’ playoff hopes. The 7-footer averaged 17.6 points and 10.4 rebounds during his tenure on the West Side, becoming a fan favorite despite the team’s struggles to reach the postseason.
“It’s going to be weird seeing him in green,” Bulls forward Patrick Williams said after Tuesday’s practice. “Vooch was like a big brother to a lot of us young guys. He taught us how to be professionals.”
The trade sent Vucevic and a future second-round pick to the Celtics in exchange for veteran forward Al Horford and two first-round selections. Boston needed frontcourt depth for their championship push, while Chicago committed to rebuilding around their younger core.
Vucevic has averaged 14.2 points and 8.1 rebounds in 15 games with Boston, adapting his role to complement stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics enter tonight’s game with a 12-3 record, tied for the best mark in the Eastern Conference.
“Nikola brings exactly what we needed,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “His basketball IQ and passing ability from the center position creates mismatches we didn’t have before.”
For the Bulls, the trade represents a clear shift toward development. Coach Billy Donovan has started rookie center Jalen Smith in Vucevic’s place, giving the second-year player significant minutes to grow.
The Montenegro native spent his first nine NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic before joining Chicago in 2021. He was selected to two All-Star teams during his Magic tenure and quickly became the Bulls’ primary offensive hub alongside DeMar DeRozan.
Chicago enters the matchup with a 6-9 record, struggling to find consistency without their former anchor. The Bulls have been outrebounded in eight of their last 10 games, highlighting Vucevic’s absence in the paint.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the United Center, where Vucevic received a standing ovation during his three seasons in Chicago red.