The Boston Celtics are reportedly looking to ship their latest acquisition, Anfernee Simons, as they continue to operate in salary-shedding mode. They acquired him in a trade that sent superstar guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 26-year-old enters the final year of his four-year, $100 million contract he inked with the Blazers in 2022. This will be his eighth year in the NBA, and the latest developments suggest that he might find a new home before the start of the 2025-26 season.
NBA Insider Drops Major Update on Anfernee Simons’ Celtics Future
In his latest, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst provided a key update on Simons’ future with the Celtics. Speaking on his Hoop Collective Podcast, “I have talked to other teams who have said they are actively trying to trade Anfernee Simons. Whether they can or not is another thing.”
The Boston Celtics are “actively trying to trade” Anfernee Simons, per @WindhorstESPN
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Simons’ injury history has been an issue with the teams aware that he has hit the 70-games mark just twice in his career. Simons missed more than 20+ games in three seasons in a row. However, despite his thumb and knee injuries, he had a career year in the 2023-24 season, averaging 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Last season, he averaged 19.3 points, 2.7 boards, and 4.8 assists.
The update comes after the trade between the two teams involving Simons and Holiday was reportedly adjusted to a straight swap. Per The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress, Holiday’s medical review led Portland to remove the two second-round picks that were part of the deal.
As for the Celtics, the key objective has been to shed more salary to remain under the luxury tax. They retained Sam Hauser, and per reports, are an estimated $20 million over the luxury tax. With superstar Jayson Tatum set to miss a major chunk of the upcoming season, the front office is looking at prioritizing getting under the number as a beneficial long-term decision.
Boston enters their upcoming season heavily dependent on Hauser, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White. With Tatum sidelined, early rumor buzz also added Brown and White on the market, but the Celtics shopped Holiday and center Kristaps Porziņģis (traded to the Atlanta Hawks).
After coming into the 2024-35 season as title favorites, Boston endured a forgettable postseason campaign. They were sent packing 4-2 by the New York Knicks in the second round as both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum suffered injuries. The former played with an injury to his knee and had surgery earlier this summer. He was expected to be ready “fairly shortly,” according to Celtics GM Brad Stevens.
