The Boston Celtics knew what they were getting when they acquired veteran guard Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason: a dynamic scorer, but a clear defensive liability. In Boston, surrounded by a contending roster and a defensive-first culture, the expectation was simple — let him cook offensively and survive defensively.
So far, he has been exactly as advertised. As the team’s sixth man, Simons is averaging 23.6 minutes per game and shooting above his career marks from both the field (44% compared vs 43.1% average) and three-point range (40.1% vs 38.2% average). He’s given Boston some much-needed scoring punch with Jayson Tatum sidelined, especially in second units that badly needed a shot creator. Defensively, he’s added four blocks and 11 steals.
But the Celtics’ situation has changed drastically since the summer.
Anfernee Simons Trade Makes Sense for Celtics Amid Strong Start
This offseason, Celtics President of Basketball Operations/ general manager Brad Stevens oversaw massive turnover. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet all departed after the 2024 season’s championship run, leaving Boston without the veteran backbone that had defined the league’s most consistent contender. Combined with Tatum rehabbing from his torn Achilles, the Celtics looked poised to fall off a cliff, at least on paper.
However, Boston’s recent play, which includes wins over the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers, shows this roster still has the talent to compete with the league’s best. Sitting at 15-9 and just four games out of first place in the Eastern Conference, the team has positioned itself far better than anyone expected.
Now comes the hard part: Stevens must make win-now moves that elevate the roster and benefit the team once Tatum returns. While NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are likely off limits, one player drawing interest is Simons, who's on an expiring contract, and the Celtics must use that interest to improve certain aspects of their roster.
One area Boston should target is the center position. While Neemias Queta has been serviceable (10.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.4 bpg), the Celtics need a more reliable interior presence to contend with the league’s elite. Fortunately, there may be an option on the 6-18 Los Angeles Clippers: Ivica Zubac, who, Brett Siegel of Clutch Sports reports, could be made available. Los Angeles has also reportedly been eyeing Simons back to his time with the Trail Blazers, per Siegel.
While Simons alone may not complete a deal, he could be the final piece that helps Boston land Zubac. With L.A. desperate for improved guard play and the Celtics desperate for size and rim protection, the framework makes sense for both teams. Another name will have to be dealt, though, as a one-for-one swap is about $9.5 million more than the Clippers can fill, meaning the Celtics would likely have to throw in someone like Sam Hauser ($10 million), who's been underperforming this year.
If Stevens pulls that off, the Celtics immediately shift from a feel-good story to a team no one wants to face come the playoffs. Adding Zubac gives Boston a physical, reliable center presence it currently lacks, making life easier for Brown, Tatum, and Derrick White. It will also stabilize the defense and give head coach Joe Mazzulla a rotation piece he can trust against the league’s best front courts.
Simons has done his job in Boston. Now his biggest value may be helping the Celtics land the final piece they need to stay in the contender tier.