The Boston Celtics are on a winning streak right now, but they’re definitely looking ahead to April and what lies beyond. With the NBA trade deadline just around the corner in two weeks, it seems like Boston’s front office is pondering whether this current roster has what it takes to handle the challenges of the postseason.
That question has quietly placed one of the team’s most productive scorers into the center of league-wide trade chatter, as insiders suggest Boston may be preparing a bold move to upgrade its frontcourt.
An Expiring Contract Becomes Boston Celtics’ Key Trade Lever
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Boston has identified Anfernee Simons’ expiring $27.6 million salary as a valuable trade tool as it surveys the big man market. Simons, who signed a four-year, $100 million deal with Portland in 2022 before later landing in Boston, carries one of the most flexible contracts on the roster ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
“Boston has Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring salary as a significant contract to dangle in the hunt for their own potential addition on the front line,” Fischer wrote, noting that the Celtics have been monitoring potential options for some time.
This expiring contract gives Boston a lot of flexibility. Simons’ deal will come off the books this summer, making him appealing to teams looking to reset their finances or shift focus toward future assets. His salary also aligns well with high-caliber frontcourt players, allowing Boston to engage in serious talks without breaking apart the core of its rotation.
Brad Stevens has been associated with several names, with Ivica Zubac standing out as a consistent target, and Jaren Jackson Jr. recently joining the conversation. Either move would represent a significant philosophical shift, signaling Boston’s intent to prioritize size and rim protection over guard depth.
The risk is obvious. Simons has been more than a trade chip. He recently delivered one of the most explosive performances of the Celtics’ season, scoring 39 points against Miami, including 18 in the fourth quarter, as Boston erased a 19-point deficit to win 119–114. His scoring outburst stabilized an offense that struggled early and provided the late-game shot creation Boston leaned on down the stretch.
Simons’ performance highlights a tricky situation. Trading him would leave the Celtics a bit short in the backcourt, a worry that could grow during the playoffs or if injuries hit. Still, analysts believe that Boston’s actions as the trade deadline approaches might reveal their long-term strategy, especially with Jayson Tatum on the mend from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered last May.
As Fischer noted, one well-placed observer suggested that how aggressive Boston is at the deadline “should serve as a useful hint” about its broader plans. Tatum has told Chris Haynes that he intends to return before the playoffs, though no official timetable has been set. A frontcourt addition could be designed not just to survive without Tatum but to complement him once he’s back.
On the court, the Celtics are surpassing preseason expectations. They broke a short losing streak against Miami, leaned on Jaylen Brown’s impressive 27-point performance, and displayed the resilience that has characterized their season. Off the court, however, the pressure is mounting.
Boston does not need to act. But if the right big man becomes available, Simons’ contract gives them the ability to strike. Whether Stevens chooses restraint or aggression may define not only this postseason run but also the next phase of the Celtics’ roster construction.
