The Milwaukee Bucks have surfaced in recent trade chatter as a team monitoring Boston guard Anfernee Simons, who landed with the Celtics after the organization shifted into a financial reset following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Milwaukee has been monitoring Simons as they explore potential additions.
Boston moved on from bigger contracts such as Kristaps Porzingis and later Jrue Holiday, bringing in Simons through the Holiday deal. He has given the Celtics steady production, yet many around the league expect Boston to shop his expiring contract for pieces that fit their longer timeline.
The Milwaukee Bucks have kept tabs on Anfernee Simons, per @MikeAScotto
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The Bucks reportedly among the teams showing interest and could consider Kyle Kuzma as part of the conversation, creating a natural question about whether a Simons-for-Kuzma swap makes sense for both sides.
Kuzma, unlike Simons, offers immediate value for a team aiming to compete next season and does not need a fresh contract to do so. His championship background with the Los Angeles Lakers adds to his appeal, and his salary this year is lighter than Simons’. For Boston, bringing in Kuzma would shave about $5.3 million off their cap number and place them below the first tax apron.
Could the Bucks land Anfernee Simons for Kyle Kuzma?
Feb 14, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) drives to the basket during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Financial factors have shaped much of Boston’s decision making this season, so it would not be surprising if the front office looks for a path back under the first apron. Kuzma is far from a perfect player and often sparks mixed opinions, but there are real strengths in his game. He has started 417 times in his career, brings scoring from every area on the floor at a respectable clip, and owns two seasons with more than twenty points per game.
Simons has not matched last season’s production, but his play has shown signs of improvement lately. He is only a year removed from putting up 19.3 points per game, and at 26 years old, he brings a younger timeline than Kuzma, who is 30. If the Bucks pursued him and felt encouraged by his fit, his age would make it easier for the front office to commit to a long-term deal.
Nov 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons (4) shoots a three point basket during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
If the Bucks decided he was not the answer, they could simply move on in free agency without losing meaningful draft assets. Simons also offers more reliable perimeter shooting than Kuzma. For a Bucks roster built around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s constant pressure at the rim, adding another dependable threat from beyond the arc makes plenty of sense.