Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics
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Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics closed out their final home game before the trade deadline with a statement.
Boston dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks 107-79 on Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, improving to 31-18 for third place in the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown led the way with 30 points and 13 rebounds after missing Friday’s game with a hamstring injury.
But the performance that drew the loudest ovation came from Anfernee Simons, who poured in 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting with six three-pointers. The crowd rose as Simons checked out in the fourth quarter, acknowledging what may have been his final home appearance in a Celtics uniform.
Or maybe not.
With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, an NBA insider provided his take on where things stand.
What Brett Siegel Said About Simons
NBA insider Brett Siegel weighed in on Anfernee Simons’ trade status Sunday, offering a perspective that suggests the guard may not be going anywhere.
“I would be surprised if the Celtics traded Anfernee Simons at this point,” Siegel posted on X. “He’s been fantastic for the Celtics’ second-unit and is a key weapon for them being serious contenders.”
It was a clear signal. Simons has played himself into a position where moving him no longer makes sense for Boston. The Celtics have two games remaining before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline, both on the road in Texas against Dallas on Tuesday and Houston on Wednesday.
Simons is playing on a $27.7 million expiring contract, which has kept his name circulating in trade rumors throughout the season.
But his production has made those discussions increasingly difficult to justify.
Brett Siegel
I would be surprised if the Celtics traded Anfernee Simons at this point. He’s been fantastic for the Celtics’ second-unit and is a key weapon for them being serious contenders.
How Simons Made His Case Against the Bucks
Simons delivered another reminder of his value in Boston’s blowout win over Milwaukee.
He single-handedly erased Milwaukee’s early double-digit advantage, dropping 11 straight points in less than three minutes to close the opening quarter. His deep three at the buzzer knotted the score and shifted momentum completely, paving the way for what turned into a dominant wire-to-wire victory.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has praised Simons throughout the season for embracing his role off the bench after spending years as a starter in Portland.
“That’s kind of been his role, and he’s done a great job buying into it, really on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said after Sunday’s game. “He’s played his role for us tremendously, and he’s just another guy that makes us better.”
StatMuse
Anfernee Simons vs Bucks:
27 points 25 minutes
Leading the East in bench points.
How Simons Has Stepped Up for the Celtics
When Boston acquired Simons in the offseason trade that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland, questions immediately surfaced about his defense.
Simons had a reputation as a liability on that end throughout his time with the Trail Blazers. This season has changed that perception. His defensive metrics have improved across the board. He posts half a steal per game with a defensive rating hovering around 119, numbers that represent career-best territory for him.
Simons also leads the East in bench points, and has positioned himself as a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
The combination of offensive production and defensive growth has made Simons more valuable than anticipated. The results speak for themselves. When Simons reaches 20 points, Boston has won seven of nine games. When he hits 25 or more, the Celtics are undefeated at 5-0.
Final Word for the Celtics
Simons has played too well, fit too seamlessly, and contributed too much to a team sitting second in the Eastern Conference. That should matter. Whether it matters enough remains to be seen.
Brad Stevens could still make a move before Thursday. The right offer could change everything. And the NBA trade deadline has a history of surprising us.
If the ovation Simons received Sunday afternoon at TD Garden was meant to be a farewell, it may end up being premature. Siegel’s assessment suggests Simons stays.
But until Thursday’s deadline passes, nothing is guaranteed.