All signs point to the Celtics being likely buyers at the trade deadline, now less than a week away. The C’s are 30-18, tied for second in the East, exceeding just about every expectation put on them during the preseason.
The Celtics could go a number of ways with their trade deadline plans, but there are a couple common themes sifting through the many rumors. NBA insider Chris Haynes pointed out both of them on a recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA radio: Anfernee Simons and the need for a backup big man. Simons specifically sounds like he could be Boston’s X-factor when it comes to any trade deadline plans.
“I think they’re going to do something,” Haynes said of the C’s. “From all things that I’m hearing, Anfernee Simons is someone who is on the trade market. I was told the Celtics are looking for front-court help. Looking for big reinforcements there. I do think it will be a player added to the equation via a trade. I don’t think anything big, but they’re looking for front-court help is what I was told.”
Simons has been in trade rumors ever since being acquired by the Celtics over the summer in the Jrue Holiday trade. It makes sense from multiple angles. He’s on an expiring $27.7 million contract, so he’s a natural trade piece to shed salary and potentially get under the luxury tax. Plus, he’s set to hit free agency this summer.
But Simons has changed the conversation when it comes to his trade value. While he’s not scoring like he did in Portland, his bench contributions have been a huge plus after a slow start to the season. He’s been a much-criticized defender throughout his career, but he’s also improved on that end throughout the season.
Simons, to his credit, hasn’t let the trade rumors bog him down.
“That’s the NBA,” Simons said back in early January. “I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year, every other week it seemed like. So it’s just a part of the NBA and you’ve just got to be where your feet are.”
It’ll be interesting to see what the Celtics do with Simons at the deadline. He’s been reportedly dangled in some trade talks, like for Clippers starter Ivica Zubac.
The Celtics have also reportedly shied away from shedding Simons’ salary by attaching a first-round pick. That’s likely the easiest path when it comes to a salary dump and dipping under the luxury tax. However, Simons fills a need as a reserve scorer, and he’s been a plus player throughout this season.
Simons is the noteworthy bargaining chip when it comes to the Celtics’ trade deadline plans. His salary is likely big enough that it gives the Boston front office at least a few options. There’s also a path where they hold on to Simons. All those questions will be answered in less than a week with the deadline set for 3 p.m. on Feb. 5.