Celtics-Bulls trade for Nikola Vucevic gets instant reaction from Cedric Maxwell

How the NBA world reacts to Boston Celtics trade for Nikola Vucevic before the deadlineradio color commentator Cedric Maxwell believes it’s a step in the right direction for all parties involved. The Chicago Bulls received one of the better secondary scorers in the NBA this season in Anferna Simmons, and the Celtics are getting a big veteran matchup in Vucevic, a two-time All-Star from his five-year stint with the Bulls.

For Maxwell, the trade is a win/win for both the Celtics and the Bulls.

“It’s a great opportunity for both parties,” Maxwell tells ClutchPoints. “And now the Celtics have a center in the middle who can do a lot for this team.”

Vucevic, 35, is averaging 16.9 points on 50.5% shooting, including 37.6% from deep, 9.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists this season. Nikola adds rebounds, size and outside touch, which bodes well for a 3-point-inducing Celtics team. Without Jayson TatumThe Celtics thrived on an MVP-caliber season from All-Star Jaylen Brown, leading to one of the best defenses in the league.

In the midst of his long road to recovery, which began in May 2025. Tatum is undecided about returning to the Celtics this season, as noted by Cedric Maxwell. Will the Celtics’ trade for Vucevic force Tatum to return before the end of the regular season?

“That’s a big question mark. That’s a million dollar question,” Maxwell replied. “I don’t know where he is, and I talked to him for a minute. Talking to him, he seems hesitant, like he’s not sure right now.”

If Tatum’s return was predicated on Boston trading for a big center, the Celtics’ acquisition of Nikola Vucevic undoubtedly fits the bill.

Jayson Tatum is considering returning to the Celtics for next season

Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum is struggling with the decision to return this season. As Tatum nears a potential return, coming into the game amid the Celtics’ 31-18 start in 49 games is not ideal. He doesn’t want to disrupt his team’s focus.

Tatum explained why the entire 2025-26 campaign is considered missingdespite potentially checking all the boxes that would negate a return to the Celtics, he said, according to The Pivot podcast.

“It’s something I think about every day,” Tatum said. “More about the team. If or when I come back this season, it’s like they’d go 50 or so games without me. So they have an identity this year or things they felt helped them, and it’s been successful, right? Third team in the East so far.”

Perhaps the arrival of Nikola Vucevic will change Tatum’s mind, as the Celtics front office seems to be all in on this year’s team.