Brad Stevens started the summer by flipping Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. His aim was to get the Boston Celtics under the second luxury tax apron. For a moment, Stevens’ goal was achieved.
However, the decision to sign Josh Minott put Boston marginally back over the second apron threshold.
As such, the Celtics are expected to continue scouring the trade market. Boston must shed some additional salary if it’s going to duck under the second cap, or potentially get out of the luxury tax completely.
In a recent article for The Ringer, Michael Pina named three members of Boston’s rotation that could potentially be on the move between now and the trade deadline.
“Boston is still in the second apron and about $20 million over the luxury tax. But, regardless of what Brad Stevens has said, it would be a true stunner if it didn’t shed more money during the season to dodge repeater tax penalties,” Pina wrote. “The likely casualties are Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang, but no one should be shocked if/when Sam Hauser gets traded.”
Simons is the most logical candidate of the trio Pina has named. He’s earning $27.6 million next season and is on an expiring contract. However, it may be easier for the Celtics to move Georges Niang‘s more modest salary or to leverage Sam Hauser‘s shooting ability.
Celtics Not Against Retaining Simons
Re-routing Anfernee Simons may not be an easy task. Fortunately for the Celtics, the franchise isn’t opposed to moving forward with the score-first guard. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, reported on Boston’s happiness to proceed with the guard on July 21.
“It is worth noting that the Celtics do like Simons and believe he could emerge as a key contributor in the backcourt when Tatum and Brown are at full strength,” Siegel reported. “Although the team has explored possible ways to flip him for other assets this offseason, Boston is fully confident in Simons’ abilities should he remain on the roster, sources said.”
Simons is a high-volume scorer. In 70 games for Portland last season, he averaged 19.3 points, 2.7 boards and 4.8 assists. Simons shot the rock at a 42.6% clip from the field and 36.3% from deep. He could easily provide a scoring punch for the Celtics, either as part of the starting unit or off the bench.
Celtics Could Target Ben Simmons
While the current focus is on who might leave the Celtics, there should also be one eye on potential additions. According to a July 20 report from NBA Insider Marc Stein, the franchise has checked in on Ben Simmons. The former Rookie of the Year is currently an unrestricted free agent.
“League sources say that the Suns have also had some recent dialogue with former All-Star Ben Simmons, who I’m told has drawn interest since free agency began from Boston, New York and Sacramento,” Stein reported.
Simmons would plug multiple gaps on the Celtics roster. He could provide the playmaking Boston lost when Jayson Tatum got hurt. In terms of positionally versatile defense, he could cushion the loss of Holiday. And if played at center or power forward, he could provide the creative hub Al Horford‘s departure has taken away.
In recent years, Simmons has struggled to prove himself in the NBA. He’s dealing with legitimate back issues. Nevertheless, signing him on a veteran minimum deal could be a good low-risk option.
The Celtics need to find low-cost contributors with high upside. Simmons perfectly fits the bill. And, at 29 years old, he still has plenty to prove and lots left in the tank.
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