Even though the Boston Celtics’ roster for this upcoming season seems to be set, Brad Stevens still has work to do. The Celtics remain above the second apron threshold by $331,950, and Stevens had said the decision to trade both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis was because of the second apron.
Although it won’t take a big move to get out of the second apron, the Celtics must get under it or face the strict consequences of being a repeat offender. Luckily for Stevens, he has until the trade deadline to get out of it.
There have been plenty of names rumored to be traded, such as Sam Hauser and Georges Niang, but this big addition seems guaranteed to be traded before the start of the season.
Anfernee Simons Is the Most Likely Celtic to Be Traded
Everyone knew the Celtics were going to depart from Jrue Holiday this offseason, but no one thought they’d get Anfernee Simons in return. Simons, 26, is coming off a solid season with the Portland Trail Blazers, recording 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.3 rebounds.
Simons seems like a perfect fit for Joe Mazzulla’s offense, as he’s a career 38.1% three-point shooter on 6.5 attempts. No question, Simons provides much-needed scoring in the absence of Jayson Tatum, but it seems unlikely Simons will suit up in green and white.
Brian Windhorst reported a few weeks ago that the Celtics were actively trying to trade Simons. Since the Celtics are still above the second apron and Simons is in the last year of his four-year, $100 million contract, it makes sense why they’d want to trade him.
The Celtics, without Tatum indefinitely, are in no position to compete for a championship. Although the Celtics wouldn’t receive much value in return, they’ll get out of the second apron and potentially acquire a bench player, which they could use.
Shedding Simons’ salary would give them flexibility to make a splash signing or trade next season once Tatum returns. Keeping Simons would make no sense, as it risks the chance of him leaving without getting anything in return.
While keeping Simons would help the Celtics this season, he would most likely command a pay raise, making it unlikely to retain him.