The Boston Celtics have made some massive moves this offseason, and the chaos is set to continue into next summer.
Last season, the Celtics saw their superstar Jayson Tatum tear his Achilles as part of the team’s second-round loss to the New York Knicks. While the loss itself was crushing, Tatum’s injury changed the entire outlook of the 2025-26 season as well.
With Tatum out, Brad Stevens decided to make some big moves, shipping out Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, while letting Luke Kornet and Al Horford walk in free agency. Considering Boston won’t be in the title hunt next season, Stevens and the front office opted to try for financial flexibility, avoiding the second apron and its steep penalties next season.
In dealing Holiday, the Celtics brought back Anfernee Simons. The point guard had spent his entire career in Portland and has already been in numerous trade rumors this offseason since arriving in Boston.
As [NBC Sports](https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/looking-ahead-21-potential-free-agents-in-the-class-of-2026)’ Kurt Helin recently pointed out, part of the problem with trying to deal Simons is his impending free agency. Whether Simons sticks around in Boston or is shipped elsewhere between now and the deadline, signs certainly point to the point guard testing the waters on the market next summer.
For the Celtics, Simons could still be a key player once Tatum returns. As a talented scorer, there could certainly be a role for him on a contender, but his current $27 million price tag will likely have to shrink for Boston to want to keep him around.