For the majority of the season, the Boston Celtics have been expected to explore the center market as the Feb. 5 trade deadline drew closer. After losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet during the summer, the Celtics' position of need was clear. However, Boston's front office isn't one that overreacts, and as such, was always unlikely to rush into making a trade.
According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Celtics showed their patience earlier this season when the Chicago Bulls contacted Boston to offer up Nikola Vucevic via a trade. Vucevic came into this season off the back of a borderline All-Star year, in terms of production at least. Yet, Boston declined to push forward with a deal for the veteran big man.
“For example, earlier this season, well before Boston surged into second place in the East, the Chicago Bulls inquired on the possibility of trading center Nikola Vucevic for Simons and a Celtics first-round pick, which would have lowered Boston’s tax bill, but the Celtics weren’t interested, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Vucevic, 35, is enjoying another strong season in the Windy City. In 45 games, he's averaging 16.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists, shooting 50.9% from the field and 37.9% from deep. However, his defense leaves a lot to be desired and that could be a sticking point for the Celtics.
After all, Joe Mazzulla has instilled a defense-first identity within the team. He likes versatility on that side of the floor, too, demanding everybody be capable of getting stops or pressuring space. Vucevic, at his advancing age, can rarely do either. As such, it makes sense for Boston to decline the opportunity of adding the aging big man to their roster. Still, that doesn't mean a new center won't be a key focus in the coming days.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics' reportedly turned down chance to trade for veteran big
