Will Celtics Trade Anfernee Simons? Latest NBA Rumors amid Nets, Bucks Buzz
The Boston Celtics discussed trading Anfernee Simons to the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, Michael Scotto reported Wednesday for HoopsHype.
According to Scotto, the Celtics talked about multiple potential trade frameworks before a potential deal with the Nets "ultimately fell through" this summer.
The Milwaukee Bucks have "also kept tabs on Simons," according to Scotto.
The Celtics are 9-8 and sitting No. 10 in the Eastern Conference as Jayson Tatum continues recovering from his Achilles injury.
Boston worked to get below the second apron in the wake of Tatum's injury this offseason, but the team is still sitting about $12 million above the tax threshold and $4 million above the first apron, per Spotrac.
Moving Simons, who is set to make about $27.6 million this season on an expiring contract, could allow the Celtics to get in below the luxury tax entirely while waiting for Tatum to return.
Scotto reported Wedensday that Celtics ownership has budgeted for a luxury tax bill, but that the team "wouldn't mind going below the tax for the right deal."
But the Celtics have limitations on what they're willing to use to sweeten Simons' expiring contract, according to Scotto. He reported the team so far "hasn't shown a willingness to attach a first-round pick" to a potential deal.
Simons, who came to Boston as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, has responded to his drop in playing time since leaving the Portland Trail Blazers by increasing his efficiency.
He's shooting a career-high 44.8 percent from the field, and averaging 14.4 points and 2.4 rebounds, while coming off the bench to play just under 25 minutes per game.
Simons is coming off of back-to-back 23-point performances last weekend against the Nets and Orlando Magic. If he can continue producing despite his role as a reserve guard, his trade price could potentially increase as the Celtics consider whether to move his expiring deal ahead of the February deadline.
