When the Portland Trail Blazers traded Anfernee Simons to the Boston Celtics for 35-year-old Jrue Holiday this month, Blazers fans speculated whether their front office could have found better value for their young guard. As it turns out, Boston may be asking that same question. According to Jay King of The Athletic and New York Times [subscription required], the Celtics are exploring options to flip Simons. King credits the move as salary-saving.
Looking to continue shedding salary, the Celtics have explored the idea of flipping Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract, according to league sources. In such a move, they would be aiming to accomplish two organizational directives [team president] Brad Stevens emphasized after the first round of the NBA draft on Wednesday: regaining more roster flexibility and setting up a path to retain free agents Luke Kornet and Al Horford.
Everyone in Portland’s orbit will no doubt be curious to see what Boston can extract from a Simons trade, should one occur.
At 26 years of age, Simons will be entering his eighth NBA season this fall. He averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists in 32.7 minutes per game over 70 appearances for the Blazers last year.