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What Grades Do the Celtics’ Trade Deadline Moves Get?

Originally posted on The Lead | By Ethan Hudson | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 7:03 PM ET

Feb. 5 is now in the rearview mirror.

In other words, another NBA trade deadline is in the books. This year’s edition featured some notable moves, like Trae Young and Anthony Davis both heading to the U.S. capital and Jaren Jackson Jr. getting a new home in Salt Lake City.

As expected, the Boston Celtics joined the trade party, making a few key roster moves that will aid their chances of a deep playoff run.

Here are all the moves Brad Stevens and the Celtics made before the deadline:

Celtics Get Their Big in Vučević

Leading up to Feb. 5, there were certainly reports that Boston was looking to snag a more-than-capable center to alleviate some of its frontcourt woes. They accomplished this by trading for Nikola Vučević.

As a result of the deal, the Celtics sent Anfernee Simons and a future second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls. In exchange, Boston got back the two-time All-Star along with a future second-rounder.

Overall, the deal allowed Boston to kill two birds with one stone.

The front office bolstered the team’s big man depth while simultaneously dumping a major contract in Simons. Although he was an expiring deal, the Celtics owed Simons over $27 million this year. This allowed Boston to save over $20 million in luxury taxes, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Nikola Vučević in his Celtics debut:

11 PTS
12 REB
4 AST
2 STL pic.twitter.com/g2sF1G5tDN

— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2026

This season, the 35-year old Vučević is averaging 16.6 points per game, 9.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting above 50% from the floor. While not perfect, he without a doubt will serve as a key depth piece for the roster.

GRADE: B+

Boston Gets Under The Luxury Tax

Even after the Celtics acquired Vucevic, their work was not done.

Boston traded forward Chris Boucher, a second-round pick and cash considerations to the Jazz for two-way guard John Tonje. Boucher is on an expiring deal, and Boston shed over $2 million dollars as a result. The Celtics also sent Josh Minott to the Nets for cash considerations and Xavier Tillman Sr. to Charlotte for a future protected second-round pick. Minott is owed nearly $5 million over the next two years. Tillman Sr. is on an expiring $2.5 million contract.

By sending these three players away, the Celtics dodged the luxury tax entirely.

GRADE: A

pic.twitter.com/J0V19EF8DW

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 5, 2026

These trades mean the Celtics will avoid paying a repeater tax next year. As of June 15, 2025, Boston was projected to owe $540 million dollars in salary and luxury tax, according to Marks.

Starting Feb. 5, that number dwindled down to under $187 million. In short, Stevens deserves major credit for managing the team’s roster and finances.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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