The Boston Celtics have made a habit of bold moves. And while this summer has been quieter — marked by exits more than arrivals — the trade machine hasn’t stopped spinning.
One player potentially on the move? Anfernee Simons, who was recently acquired in the Jrue Holiday deal. The 26-year-old guard brings scoring punch, upside, and a $27 million expiring contract — but according to multiple reports, Boston might not hold onto him for long.
One scenario — floated by FanSided’s Matt Moore — would flip Simons to the Utah Jazz for All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen in a multi-player deal built around immediate needs and long-term timelines.
Here’s what the full pitch looks like:
Celtics receive:
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Lauri Markkanen
Jazz receive:
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Anfernee Simons
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2027 pick swap
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2030 first-round pick (protected)
Markkanen Checks Every Box for Celtics
The logic is simple: Boston needs a frontcourt piece who can score, stretch the floor, and hold up physically across a deep playoff run. Kristaps Porzingis is gone. Luke Kornet walked. And Al Horford may not be back.
Markkanen might not bring the same rim protection as Porzingis, but he checks nearly every other box. The 7-footer averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds last season while shooting 34.6% from deep. He gives the Celtics a reliable scoring option who doesn’t crowd Derrick White or Jaylen Brown, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact.
Simons, on the other hand, is talented — but crowded out. With Payton Pritchard in the mix, Simons’ defensive limitations and ball-dominant style feel like a strange fit.
Utah Gets Younger, Deeper, and More Flexible
For the Jazz, this isn’t about right now — it’s about what’s next.
Markkanen is a star, but the rebuild clock is ticking. If Ace Bailey, Isaiah Collier, and Keyonte George are the future, a deal like this opens up minutes and usage for their development.
Simons gives Utah a controllable guard entering his prime. Niang’s deal is short-term money. Hauser and Tillman are playable depth. And the future draft picks offer upside if Boston takes a step back post-Jayson Tatum.
A Swing Worth Taking?
The Celtics have made it clear what their priorities are this offseason: get under the second tax apron and reset for the future. That’s why Porzingis and Holiday were traded, Kornet was let go, and Horford likely won’t be back. Those moves weren’t about chasing a title in 2026 — they were about setting the books straight, especially with Tatum expected to miss the season recovering from an Achilles injury.
So a trade for Markkanen — owed nearly $200 million over the next four years — might seem counterintuitive.
But maybe this is the kind of move Boston makes because they’ve done the hard work to get their finances in order. A swing for a 7-foot All-Star who complements their core, stretches the floor, and gives them a building block to bring into the post-Tatum-rehab era.
It’s not without consequence. Adding Markkanen would limit flexibility down the line and could eventually force a Derrick White trade. But if Boston sees a window opening in 2026–27, this might be the kind of swing that sets them up to hit it running.
Utah gets younger, cheaper, and more flexible. Boston lands a long-term frontcourt solution.
It’s not an obvious yes. But if the opportunity’s there — it’s a swing worth considering.
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