The Chicago Bulls have been linked to a blockbuster trade idea for a Boston Celtics standout.
Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints submits that Chicago should be open to adding yet another ball-dominant guard — in this case, a player who has already changed hands once this summer in combo guard Anfernee Simons.
The 26-year-old was dealt to Boston from the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this summer, but the Celtics seem to be at least open to moving on from him if possible. Simons was a trade addition via Boston’s cost-cutting move to ditch six-time All-Defensive Team guard Jrue Holiday and his long-term salary.
Yet another guard for Chicago
“While Josh Giddey provides playmaking and Coby White offers scoring bursts, the Bulls are still in need of a true dynamic guard who can create his own shot consistently against playoff defenses,” Brahmbhatt writes.
“That’s where Anfernee Simons of the Boston Celtics comes into play. Simons, now entering his prime, has proven himself to be one of the league’s most explosive scorers,” Brambhatt adds. “His three-level scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, would give the Bulls an offensive weapon they haven’t had since the days of Zach LaVine.”
LaVine’s on-ball play limited how many touches younger pieces like the recently re-signed Giddey and shooting guard Cobe White were afforded. The Bulls’ midseason trade of the 6-foot-5 UCLA product opened things up.
Depending on the return proposed to the Celtics, Chicago could certainly be an intriguing destination.
“For Chicago, Simons would slide seamlessly into the starting backcourt next to Giddey, balancing out his pass-first tendencies with a guard who thrives as a shot creator,” Brahmbhatt observes. “The Bulls’ half-court offense, which has often stagnated in recent seasons, would suddenly have a player capable of breaking down defenses at will.”
In fairness, while Simons could be a unique fit as a two-level scorer (his 3-point shooting is pretty erratic), his defensive fit has always felt pretty tenuous with Boston.
“The appeal of Simons goes beyond scoring,” Brahmbhatt added. “He’s still only 26 years old, meaning he fits the Bulls’ timeline perfectly. With Buzelis and Giddey both still in development phases, Simons’ presence could alleviate some of the offensive pressure on them and allow them to grow without being forced into uncomfortable roles too early.”
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