Whether it is a dislike or a distrust, it was easy to tell from the start of the Boston Celtics season that head coach Joe Mazzulla wasn't going to give Anfernee Simons consistent minutes. This has consistently been the case throughout the season, with the guard averaging 23 minutes, but at times playing as many as 30 minutes or as recently as Dec. 22 playing as few as 17. Putting it simply, it is clear that the coaching staff isn't going to put a lot on Simons and trusts other pieces, far more even players currently receiving fewer minutes.
For Simons, the guard could use a fresh start with a team willing to let him put up more shots and attempt to rebuild a bit of value. This isn't happening in Boston with the franchise taking on the playmaker simply due to the fact that it helped them shed salary space in what was expected to be a rebuilding season. Instead, surprise contributors and Jaylen Brown ascending a level have pushed the team to the top of the discussion in the Eastern Conference. With this in mind, Simons becomes a valued trade chip based on his salary.
The guard is on the final season of a four-year deal that carries a hefty $27 million expiring cap hit. Having an expiring deal at this level gives Boston a lot of flexibility in what they can do in the weeks leading up to Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Celtics Must Part Ways with Underwhelming Guard Anfernee Simons Ahead of Trade Deadline
Simons isn't going to garner anything of note in return unless paired with a more attractive trade chip. Considering Boston's current level of chemistry and the unknowns around a potential Jayson Tatum return, this seems unlikely. The more probable path is Boston attempting to dump the salary and find pieces in exchange that better fit the current mindset of the team that is constructed.
This isn't a knock against Simons, who often plays hard, but the reality is that his style of play simply doesn't fit with what Boston is building. Trading the limited piece allows you the chance to bring in veteran leadership or look for potential wing defenders to bolster an already impressive defense.
Whatever the potential return for the Celtics might be, it is clear that the franchise needs to put Simons on the market and attempt to make a move. There simply isn't any long-term interest, and parting ways with an expiring contract makes sense if you can acquire even a depth piece that has a larger chance to make an impact.
For Simons, the player should welcome any potential move as it will likely come with longer minutes and more scoring opportunities. No question, Simons' tenure in Boston is quickly coming to an end with the franchise needing to find a landing spot in the next weeks of the season.