Vučević, a two-time All-Star, slots immediately into Boston’s starting center role, replacing a thin rotation of Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Xavier Tillman Sr. The 34-year-old has started all 48 games this season for Chicago, delivering reliable double-double production.

Whether Vučević should be taking minutes from Queta is another matter. Queta, who is averaging 10.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, has been the starter for the NBA’s 11th-rated defense, and there are few more valuable contracts than his minimum deal.

Moving away from Nikola Vučević signalled the closing of a chapter for the Chicago Bulls. The center was the first acquisition of the 2021 roster rebuild.