Nikola Vucevic: Celtics| Age| Height| Trade| Contract| Injury

Introduction

Boston Celtics fans are buzzing after the team pulled off a notable trade, acquiring veteran center Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls. This move has serious implications for the Celtics’ frontcourt rotation, playoff aspirations, and roster strategy ahead of the postseason. In this article, we dive deep into Vucevic’s age, height, career background, trade specifics, contract details, injury history, and the impact he could have with Boston.

1. Who Is Nikola Vucevic?

Nikola Vucevic is a seasoned NBA center known for his scoring efficiency, rebounding, and versatility as a big man. Originally drafted in the 2011 NBA Draft (16th overall) by the Philadelphia 76ers, he has since forged a long and productive career in the league.

Over more than a decade, Vucevic earned a reputation as one of the league’s most consistent frontcourt players — capable of stretching the floor with his shooting and offering a steady presence in the paint. Before arriving in Boston, he spent significant time with the Orlando Magic and most recently the Chicago Bulls.

2. Age and Early Life

As of 2026, Nikola Vucevic is 35 years old — born on October 24, 1990.

At this stage of his career, Vucevic brings not only statistical contribution but also veteran leadership and experience — qualities that can be especially valuable for playoff runs and mentoring younger teammates.

3. Height, Weight, and Physical Profile

Vucevic stands at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and weighs approximately 117 kg (around 260 pounds).

That combination of size and strength helps him compete effectively against other bigs, while his skill set allows him to space the floor on offense — something modern NBA teams covet in frontcourt players.

4. The Trade to the Celtics

In early February 2026, the Boston Celtics executed a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bulls that sent Nikola Vucevic to Boston in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round draft pick.

Why the trade matters:

• Frontcourt boost – With injuries and lack of depth at center, adding a proven big man gives Boston a boost down low.

• Veteran presence – At 35, Vucevic brings playoff experience and scoring consistency to a Celtics squad intent on a deep postseason run.

• Shooting – His ability to hit the three and pass from the post adds versatility to Boston’s offense.

• Financial strategy – The expiring nature of Vucevic’s contract gives salary cap flexibility to Boston moving forward.

This trade reflects Boston’s championship urgency and retools a frontcourt group relying on younger players like Luka Garza and Neemias Queta.

5. Contract Details

Before the trade, Vucevic was under contract with the Bulls on an expiring deal worth roughly $21.5 million — meaning his contract will end once the season concludes.

That expiring nature is strategically valuable for teams like Boston that want flexibility in free agency or in future trades. It allows the Celtics to evaluate Vucevic’s performance without committing long-term salary cap space, while also potentially preserving flexibility for offseason roster moves.

It’s also notable that Vucevic previously signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with Chicago in 2023 — but that deal now winds down in 2026 as he enters free agency.

6. Injury History and Updates

Like many NBA veterans with lengthy careers, Vucevic has experienced a range of injuries — though none have derailed his ability to compete at a high level.

Recent injuries and status:

• Day-to-day knee soreness and rest periods early in the 2025-26 season.

• Minor knee and calf issues in previous seasons leading to short absences.

• Multiple intermittent injuries earlier in his career (back, groin, calf) — though he often returned quickly and maintained high performance.

Overall, Vucevic has been largely available and productive, a testament to his durability across more than 1,000 career games.

At the time of the trade, reports indicate his most recent absence was as a rest day in a Bulls game, rather than a significant injury.

7. Playing Style and Strengths

Nikola Vucevic has evolved into one of the more unique centers in the NBA due to his:

Scoring Ability

He consistently scores inside and out, combining post moves with reliable mid-range and three-point shooting. His floor spacing ability makes him an offensive mismatch.

Rebounding

With elite anticipation and positioning, Vucevic has averaged close to double-digit rebounds throughout much of his career.

Passing

For a center, his vision and passing sets him apart. He can initiate offense from the high post and find open teammates.

Experience

Multiple NBA All-Star selections (though not in this season) and over 15 seasons give him a rare level of continuity and knowledge — especially beneficial in high-pressure playoff scenarios.

8. What Vucevic Brings to the Celtics

By acquiring Vucevic, the Celtics add:

• Reliable scoring from the big man position

• Veteran leadership for a title-contender

• A new offensive spacing element

• Depth and stability in key playoff minutes

Boston has had to rely heavily on smaller lineup combinations or inexperienced bigs. Vucevic’s presence should alleviate that and allow the Celtics to diversify their rotation and matchups more effectively.

9. Vucevic’s Future Outlook

Looking ahead:

• Vucevic is set to become a free agent once this season ends.

• Boston will have the option to re-sign or let him explore the market depending on cap space and roster priorities.

• If Vucevic thrives in Boston’s system, it could be a short-term partnership that turns into a re-commitment depending on how both sides perform.

Whether he remains with the Celtics long-term will depend on fit, team performance, and financial outlook — but the immediate boost is clear.

FAQs About Nikola Vucevic

1. How old is Nikola Vucevic?

Nikola Vucevic is 35 years old, born on October 24, 1990.

2. How tall is Nikola Vucevic?

He stands 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) tall and weighs around 117 kg.

3. Which team traded Vucevic to the Celtics?

The Chicago Bulls traded Vucevic to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick.

4. What contract is Vucevic on?

Vucevic was on an expiring contract worth about $21.5 million in the 2025-26 season.

5. Has Vucevic had major injuries?

He has had occasional injuries like knee soreness and calf issues but has remained productive and largely available throughout his career.

6. How will Vucevic help the Celtics?

He adds scoring, rebounding, experience, and frontcourt versatility, critical for deep playoff runs and matchup advantages.

Conclusion

Nikola Vucevic’s arrival in Boston marks a significant moment for both the Celtics and Vucevic himself. For the Celtics, it’s a strategic move to improve depth and playoff readiness. For Vucevic, it’s a chance to compete for a championship and showcase his veteran leadership.

Whether this partnership becomes long-term or serves as a one-season chapter, it underscores how valuable experience, versatility, and consistent production remain in today’s NBA.