Anfernee Simons, Celtics
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Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on March 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Anfernee Simons can be both an important player for the Boston Celtics in the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season and their most valuable asset for potential trades.
The Celtics landed the young star guard in one of the most significant trades this offseason. They got him in exchange for veteran guard Jrue Holiday, a shift in direction for the historic franchise.
Boston made the move to remove money from the salary cap, as they were at risk of having to pay second apron taxes. However, they had to depart from one of their key players who helped them win the 2024 NBA Finals for their 18th title in franchise history.
The Celtics got Simons, who is talented as a scorer and shooter, especially from the perimeter. However, his defense is not at the same level as Holiday, which could see the team slightly decline in their overall defense.
Nonetheless, Simons remains a valuable asset for Boston to include in trade offers, especially with him being on the final year of his rookie extension. According to ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel, the team has created key objectives if they choose to trade the 26-year-old guard, though no deal appears imminent before training camp.
Should a move come to fruition, the front office has three primary goals in mind for a potential Simons deal.
“While it doesn’t appear as if there is a trade on the horizon involving Simons before training camp, the Celtics have been aggressive in shedding cap space and salaries this summer. Simons is the next player on the market, as the organization holds no desire to move Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser at this time,” Siegel wrote.
“Three goals exist for the Celtics right now. Aside from remaining competitive and finding ways to further cut down on their overall tax bill, Boston wants to maintain financial flexibility. Simons is in the final year of his contract and making $27.6 million, giving the Celtics a large buffer to work with and potentially add depth to their roster during the upcoming season.”
What Lies Ahead For Anfernee Simons, Celtics
Anfernee Simons, Celtics
GettyAnfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on March 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
It seems to be the case that Anfernee Simons’ future isn’t secure with the Celtics at the moment.
Simons will be coming off the bench as Payton Pritchard and Derrick White command the starting guard spots. As a sixth man, this gives him a chance to contribute for a notable contender in the Eastern Conference when they are fully healthy.
However, Boston’s potential depth issues could be the reason they move on from him. Aside from the first unit, the Celtics would have more players that would be unproven, making their chances at competing for a title next season unlikely.
It also hurts their case that star forward Jayson Tatum will miss at least most of next season. He tore his Achilles in the Game 4 against the New York Knicks during the East Semis, which will have Boston be without its best player for a while.
They will have to turn to Jaylen Brown, White and Pritchard to man the ship with Tatum on the sidelines. In the meantime, Simons will adapt to his new surroundings as he can impact them on and off the court.