The Boston Celtics will be one of the more interesting teams to follow once the 2025-26 season tips off this October.
On paper, they should still have enough weapons at their disposal to challenge for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. In reality, it might be better for them in the long run to consider this a "throw-away" season and prioritize the health of its stars and the development of its younger players before diving back into the deep end with the rest of the contenders in the East.
With that being the case, barring other moves being made, one member of Boston's roster is set to rob the city blind this coming season, as it is unlikely his play matches what he will earn.
Overpaid Celtics G Anfernee Simons Set to Rob City Blind Next Season
The Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jrue Holiday. Originally, draft capital was attached to the deal that sent Simons to Boston. However, those picks were ultimately removed from the trade agreement following Holiday's physical with Portland's medical staff.
Now, Simons is set to earn over $27.6 million this coming season despite having no history of contributing to a contender, let alone helping lead one as a top option.
Since the 2021-22 season, his first year in which he was even a part-time starter in Portland, Simons has seen his per-game averages and shooting percentages dip across the board. He is a volume shooter who has a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. In no way will Joe Mazzulla be able to use him to set the table for the offense, and there isn't a world where Simons shooting the ball 18 times per game makes the Celtics a playoff contender.
The problem is, his presence would also likely prevent Boston from being bad enough to land a meaningful pick in what stands to be a loaded 2026 NBA Draft. Hanging out in NBA purgatory for a season does the Celtics no good, and Brad Stevens knows it.
To trade Simons, there must be a willing partner out there. That could ultimately prove to be difficult. Boston has already had over a month to shop Simons on the trade market, and there haven't been many rumors to lead fans to believe meaningful talks have taken place with any franchise.
Without any destination to re-route the guard to, the Celtics could be stuck with a large bill for a player who isn't likely to be anything more than a seat holder during his time in Boston.