Since he was acquired in the Jrue Holiday trade in the offseason, Anfernee Simons' time in Boston was widely expected to be short-lived. The dynamic guard was viewed as a temporary measure for the Celtics' gap year. As an expiring contract making $27.6 million, the Celtics would find it difficult to re-sign him in the summer of 2026, making him an ideal trade candidate.
With Boston playing well above expectations and Simons finally hitting his stride, however, some believe the former Blazer could stay in Boston past the Feb. 5 trade deadline. This would be a mistake GM Brad Stevens & Co. have to avoid.
Anfernee Simons Is Playing Better But Celtics Should Still Trade Him
Simons is certainly playing better lately. In nine games in January, he is averaging 17.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 26.2 minutes per game with shooting splits of 49.2/51.4/87.5, all significant improvements from his season-long numbers. The combination of his 24.7 percent usage rate and 65.8 percent True Shooting has helped the Celtics reach another level offensively. His 39-point explosion on 7/16 shooting from downtown against the Heat last week demonstrated the heights Simons can reach when given the opportunity.
While these are all important to acknowledge, the Celtics still don't need Simons. With Derrick White and Payton Pritchard in the backcourt, the Celtics don't need another undersized guard who struggles defensively. Simons has improved on that end of the floor since arriving in Boston, but doesn't have the size, strength, or necessary athleticism to defend at a high enough level for a team with championship aspirations. His lack of defensive versatility and defensive playmaking make him a tough fit for a team trying to win a title.
When Jayson Tatum returns, whether it is this season or next, the Celtics will have more than enough shot creation and shot-making. What they will need is more defense, physicality, and athleticism. Simons provides none of those.
If the Celtics can re-sign Simons for half the salary he makes right now, they should be more than willing to hold onto him as a sixth man. The 26-year-old guard will almost certainly have more lucrative offers, meaning that there is a serious chance the Celtics lose him for nothing.
Instead of risking letting Simons walk, the Celtics should try to get something in return before the trade deadline. That way, the Celtics can save some money, acquire a better fit, and set themselves up for postseason runs this season and next.