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BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts with teammate Anfernee Simons #4 in the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on October 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics made the decision to trade Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic. It was a trade made to improve their weakest position. Improving the center spot gives the team more versatility down the stretch.
Simons has played well in his first few games with the Bulls. He was starting to play some of the best basketball of the season over the last few weeks. Yet, Boston decided to send him away. Simons gave them another ball-handler off the bench to make sure they were okay at all times.
Despite playing a reduced role, Simons still seems like he enjoyed his time in Boston. In fact, he hinted that he could possibly see himself returning to the organization.
GettyBoston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons looks on. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Former Boston Celtics Guard Anfernee Simons Hints at Return
While talking before his next game, Simons hinted that he could possibly return to the Celtics in the future, especially when asked if he had started to see a future for himself in Boston.
“For sure. You winning, and everything is going great, you get comfortable…you wanted to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and compete with your team for the whole season. Obviously, it’s the NBA, ad it’s a business. They traded for a great player.”
Then, Simons gave a hint that he could find himself back in Boston at some point.
“For sure. Obviously, gotta finish out the season here first, and then see what happens there. But, for sure, down the line. I enjoyed my time here, built great relationships here. Yeah, I see it for sure.”
Despite the fact that Simons played a lesser role than he was used to in Portland, he was happy in Boston. Winning games and helping the Celtics become one of the best teams in the East was something he was happy with. The Bulls don’t win at the same rate.
GettyBoston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons drives the ball. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics Could Re-Sign Anfernee Simons Over the Summer
Simons is a free agent once the season ends. He will have the opportunity to sign anywhere he wants. Right now, the Celtics are under the luxury tax. They will have a little more room to operate once the offseason arrives in terms of free agent moves.
If Simons wants to return to Boston, he might have to take a little bit of a discount. It seems that he is more interested in winning games than he is in stats or money, but it will all depend on what the market dictates. With Simons on the roster, Boston had the second-best offense in the NBA.
Boston still has a chance to get Jayson Tatum back in the lineup this season, so that would help replace Simons’ offensive role and even elevate it. It’s still unclear whether or not he will return from his torn Achilles tendon.