The future of Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons is back under the league’s microscope after a new report revealed that another Eastern Conference contender — the Milwaukee Bucks — has quietly monitored his availability this season.
The detail, first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, emerges amid revelations that the Celtics discussed multiple offseason trade frameworks centered around Simons. His name has circulated in league circles again after Boston’s uneven offensive start and growing salary-cap pressure.
Milwaukee Bucks “Kept Tabs” on Simons
While Boston’s internal discussions dominated early trade chatter, Scotto revealed that the Bucks also evaluated Simons as a possible target, signaling broader interest in the 26-year-old scoring guard.
“The Milwaukee Bucks also kept tabs on Simons, HoopsHype has learned,” Scotto reported.
The Bucks’ interest is significant, considering the franchise’s current seven-game losing streak, while Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s own future in Milwaukee is also under scrutiny. The Bucks’ offense has struggled without Antetokounmpo.
Simons, averaging 13.9 points on 40.9% from three in 18 games off the bench, fits Milwaukee’s desire for efficient perimeter production and additional shot-making insurance during Antetokounmpo’s off-court stretches.
Celtics Held Offseason Trade Talks on Simons
Boston’s involvement with Simons traces back to the summer, when the Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets engaged in several trade discussions involving the former Portland Trail Blazer. According to Scotto, the talks ultimately stalled.
The Celtics were also preparing to pursue Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe in free agency, hoping to bolster their frontcourt rotation with a young rim protector. Their plan was limited by financial constraints, as Boston could only offer Sharpe a minimum contract.
Sharpe has since averaged 6.5 points and 5.4 rebounds off the bench for Brooklyn, underscoring why Boston viewed him as a potential depth solution — especially after Neemias Queta suffered a recent ankle sprain.
Boston’s Cap Constraints Complicate Simons’ Future
While Simons is in the final year of a $27.68 million contract, the Celtics currently sit $12 million above the luxury tax threshold. The franchise executed several summer trades to skirt the second apron, but Simons’ salary remains a key pivot point.
Boston is not under immediate pressure to reduce its tax bill, according to Scotto, and the front office would drop below the tax for the right deal. Moving Simons — or a combination involving Sam Hauser and a minimum contract — would make that possible.
However, the Celtics have not shown any willingness to attach a first-round pick to Simons, per Scotto. That stance limits their ability to extract value for him and suggests they view him more as an expiring contract than a depreciated asset.
Simons’ Role Shrinks During Celtics’ Roller-Coaster Season
Getty Anfernee Simons of the Boston Celtics stands with Head Coach Joe Mazzulla.
Simons joined Boston four months ago as the marquee acquisition of an offseason defined by cost-cutting and roster reshuffling following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles rupture. He arrived as a high-upside scorer following a strong 70-game campaign in Portland, where he averaged 19.3 points.
But through 18 games with Boston, Simons has found himself oscillating between hot shooting nights and limited opportunities. His rough outing in the Celtics’ 117–114 win over Detroit — five points on 1-for-7 from deep — encapsulated his inconsistency.
Instead of becoming one of the focal points of Boston’s retooled offense, Simons has slid into a bench scorer role for a team fighting to stay in the play-in picture.
Trade Watch Intensifies as Milwaukee Joins the Mix
Boston’s willingness to listen to a potential Simons trade, combined with Milwaukee’s interest, sets the stage for a potential multi-team bidding war as February approaches. With contenders seeking scoring guards and Boston seeking cap relief and frontcourt depth, Simons could emerge as one of the most movable high-salary guards on the market.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Celtics Guard Eyed by East Contender in Potential Trade: Insider appeared first on Heavy Sports.