The Boston Celtics will look very different on opening night compared to how they looked last year. Both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have been traded, and Luke Kornet signed with the San Antonio Spurs. While Al Horford is still thinking over his options, Brad Stevens doesn't expect him to return to Boston next season.
At the same time, Boston acquired Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang in the trades, and signed Luka Garza and Josh Minott. While fans might like to see the fit with the current core, one of them might not be on the team come opening night.
Celtics Open to Moving Anfernee Simons
While Simons hasn't been in Boston for long, his time with the team could end before it begins. According to Brian Windhorst on the Hoop Collective Podcast, he reported on the Celtics and Simons, stating, "they are actively trying to trade Anfernee Simons".
Anfernee Simons was the sole return of the Jrue Holiday trade and is a fun player to watch. For the past four seasons, Simons has averaged double-digit points, with his best season coming in the 2023-2024 season, in which he averaged 22.6 points on 43% shooting and 39% from three-point range. With his proficient shooting from deep, fans viewed Simons as a fun fit for the Celtics' offense.
While Simons' offense is fun to watch, his defense is where concerns in his game exist. Simons isn't great on this end, which has been a staple for players to see rotation minutes for the Celtics.
His contract is entering the final year, so the Celtics would need to extend him if they want to keep him. An extension for Simons would be costly, which is something the Celtics might want to avoid, given their already tough salary situation. With both Payton Pritchard and Derrick White signed long-term, having a third guard signed to a lucrative deal might not be wise.
In a potential Simons trade, the Celtics could have two reasons for looking to move him. The first would be to move him for a player slightly cheaper, who would be a better fit for the team. The other would be to bring in two cheaper players. That way, the team lowers the salary and adds depth to the rotation. Regardless of the direction GM Brad Stevens goes, Celtics fans should probably not get too attached to Simons.