Anfernee Simons‘ Boston Celtics tenure could be over before it even begins. The talented offensive guard arrived in Boston as part of the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.
According to Brian Windhorst, speaking via his “The Hoops Collective” podcast, Brad Stevens and the Celtics are “actively” looking to trade Simons this summer.
“I have talked to other teams that have said the Celtics are actively trying to trade Anfernee Simons,” Windhorst said. “Whether they can or not is another [thing].”
Simons fits Joe Mazzulla’s offensive philosophy. Last season, he took 50% of his shots from behind the 3-point line, converting at a 37% clip. However, Simons’ defensive limitations will hinder his chances of sticking in Boston long-term. Mazzulla prefers his players to be viable on both sides of the ball.
Furthermore, Simons is set to earn $27.6 million next season, before hitting unrestricted free agency. Given the Celtics’ current cap situation, moving on from the impending free agent would be a good way to acquire more future assets and save some cap space in the process.
Celtics Could Lose Al Horford
Another wrinkle to the Celtics’ offseason is the fact that Al Horford looks likely to leave the franchise this summer. According to a July 6 report from Marc Stein, Horford is widely expected to land with the Golden State Warriors.
“While having the full non-taxpayer midlevel would theoretically provide the Nuggets with the financial flexibility to offer a richer Year 1 salary to Boston Celtics free agent Al Horford that Golden State can pitch, I continue to hear that Horford is destined to land in the Bay Area,” Stein reported. “That’s despite the fact that the Warriors currently have only the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel to offer him.”
Horford is a key member of the Celtics roster, having been with the franchise throughout two spells. His versatility, floor spacing and leadership will all be missed if he chooses to join Golden State.
Celtics Urged to Target Damian Lillard
If the Celtics do choose to cut ties with Simons, they could look toward Damian Lillard as a potentially cost-controlled upgrade. Damian Lillard is a free agent after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.
In a recent edition of NBC Sports Boston’s “Early Edition,” Celtics insider Gary Washburn urged the franchise to target the All-Star guard.
“It’s cheap,” Washburn said. “$5.6 million mid-level, two years, because he’s already getting paid by the Bucks. So money is not an issue. You sit him for this year…You have two All-NBA players coming back along with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, and then whoever’s center. Two All-NBA players, three All-Stars, and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in you’re starting five, and you come back to try to win another title in ’26-’27.”
Whether or not Lillard is the right guard to help the Celtics get back on track will remain to be seen. However, when you factor in the low cost, his talent level, and his friendship with Jayson Tatum, a potential partnership does look likely.
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