The Boston Celtics got themselves under the second apron early this offseason by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. While the club’s deals decreased the tax penalty next season by $41 million, more financially prudent moves could be on the horizon.
Jay King of The Athletic reports that the Celtics are considering an Anfernee Simons trade this offseason so they can afford to keep Luke Kornet and Al Horford.
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Boston acquired Simons as part of the Holiday trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 26-year-old guard could provide Boston with added shooting while having the added benefit of playing on an expiring contract. Instead, there’s a chance he may never suit up for the club.
The problem for the Celtics’ front office right now is that they are still dealing with the NBA luxury tax. Under the current CBA, as a repeat offender for crossing the luxury tax threshold, Boston is restricted from being able to re-sign both Kornet and Horford.
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Both veterans are also coveted around the league. The San Antonio Spurs have been floated by NBA executives as a potential suitor for Kornet, and the New York Knicks are viewed as a threat to sign Horford. So, Boston needs to try and find a way to get under the luxury tax.
While trading Simons in a cash dump would likely hurt the Celtics’ roster even more next season, it’s evident the organization is already planning to take a step back. If it can move Simons and get much closer to resetting the repeater tax, Boston could quickly try to turn things around next offseason.
NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. ... More about Matt Johnson