The Boston Celtics are facing a gap year after Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles and have lost several pieces from their 2024 championship roster.
In cost-cutting moves, Boston traded Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in June, receiving Georges Niang and Anfernee Simons in return. The club has already rerouted Niang, and Simons appears to be next on the trade block.
Rumors have circulated about Simons being rerouted before the trade deadline all offseason, as he’s on an expiring $27.7 million contract. With Boston looking to save money and remain below the second apron, Simons is certainly a name to watch as a trade candidate.
Celtics’ Anfernee Simons remains trade candidate ahead of 2025-26 season
Simons could remain with Boston until the trade deadline in February, though the team reportedly continues to put out feelers to assess his market, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
“While it doesn’t appear as if there is a trade on the horizon involving Simons before training camp, the Celtics have been aggressive in shedding cap space and salaries this summer,” he wrote. “Simons is the next player on the market, as the organization holds no desire to move Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser at this time.”
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The 26-year-old is coming off another solid season with the Portland Trail Blazers, during which he averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, 3.1 three-pointers and 2.7 rebounds across 32.7 minutes per game in 70 regular-season appearances. However, he doesn’t appear to be part of Boston’s long-term plans, with the team already having Pritchard, Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez as backcourt options.
Despite his expiring contract, Simons will likely draw interest from multiple teams ahead of the deadline, as the Celtics continue to explore ways to cut costs.
Simons will also have the opportunity to serve as one of Boston’s top scoring options alongside Jaylen Brown with Tatum sidelined, potentially raising his trade value significantly.
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