CHICAGO, 06 February 2026 – The NBA landscape shifted significantly this week as the Chicago Bulls officially welcomed guard Anfernee Simons following a high-profile trade deadline deal with the Boston Celtics. The move, which sent veteran centre Nikola Vučević to Boston, marks a major transition for Simons, who spent the first half of the 2025-26 season serving as a key reserve for the Celtics.
Trade Deadline Blockbuster: Simons to Chicago
In a deal finalised on 04 February 2026, the Chicago Bulls acquired Anfernee Simons and a second-round draft pick from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Nikola Vučević. The trade was confirmed just hours before the deadline, ending Simons’ brief but impactful tenure in Boston. During his time with the Celtics, Simons appeared in 49 games—all off the bench—averaging 14.2 points and shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc.
The Bulls’ front office, led by Artūras Karnišovas, described the acquisition as a “meaningful shift” for the franchise. Simons joined fellow newcomer Jaden Ivey at shootaround on Friday morning and is expected to make his Bulls debut tonight against the Toronto Raptors.
Player Profile and Career Statistics
Known for his elite scoring ability and perimeter shooting, Simons has established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive threats. Standing at 1.91 metres, the 26-year-old guard bypassed college to enter the 2018 NBA Draft directly from IMG Academy.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anfernee Tyrik Simons |
| Date of Birth | 08 June 1999 |
| Height | 6’3″ (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Position | Guard |
| Draft | 2018, 1st Round, #24 Overall |
| Current Team | Chicago Bulls |
| Contract | 4 years, A$153 million (US$100M) signed 2022 |
Performance and Public Insight
Simons’ 2025-26 campaign has been defined by his efficiency as a “sixth man.” Before the trade, he posted a season-high 39 points and maintained a plus-162 rating, the highest of his career. Public sentiment remains divided; while many analysts view him as an elite pure scorer, some critics point to his defensive rating of 119.0 as an area for improvement.
Former teammate Jaylen Brown acknowledged the emotional weight of the trade, noting the “human element” of seeing a key locker room figure depart mid-season. Meanwhile, Chicago fans are optimistic that Simons’ shooting will provide the spacing necessary to revitalise the Bulls’ backcourt alongside Jaden Ivey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Anfernee Simons play for now?
As of 06 February 2026, Anfernee Simons plays for the Chicago Bulls following a trade from the Boston Celtics.
What was the trade deal for Anfernee Simons?
The Chicago Bulls acquired Simons and a second-round pick from the Boston Celtics in exchange for centre Nikola Vučević.
Is Anfernee Simons playing tonight?
Yes, Simons was present at the Bulls’ morning shootaround and is listed as available for the game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
What are Simons’ stats for the 2025-26 season?
Prior to being traded, Simons averaged 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game across 49 appearances for the Boston Celtics.