Anfernee Simons might not be in Boston long… if he even gets there at all.
The Celtics are still actively working the trade phones, and one league executive hinted that Simons’ situation is already on thin ice.
“If you’re doing a story about Simons’ fit in Boston, you’d better be quick,” the exec joked. “He could be gone if the right move comes along.”
Boston has made it clear they’re in win-now mode — and that means every piece is potentially in play. Simons brings youth and scoring pop, but the front office is still exploring bigger pieces that could better align with their championship window.
Will Simons be a key weapon in Boston… or just another trade chip
REPORT: Anfernee Simons’ Future in Boston Already Uncertain — Could Be Flipped Before He Even Arrives**
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Just days after being traded to the **Boston Celtics** as part of the blockbuster deal that sent **Jrue Holiday** to the **Portland Trail Blazers**, **Anfernee Simons** is already facing serious uncertainty about his future in green. While the ink on the trade papers is barely dry, league sources confirm that Simons may **never suit up in a Celtics uniform at all**.
“If you’re doing a story about Simons’ fit in Boston,” one front office executive joked, “you’d better be quick. He could be gone if the right move comes along.”
It’s a telling quote that underscores the volatility of the NBA’s high-stakes offseason and the mindset of a Celtics organization that is **squarely in championship-or-bust mode**. While Simons is a dynamic young scorer with untapped potential, Boston’s front office is **actively testing the market**, exploring deals that may turn his contract and skill set into a **more immediate-impact asset**.
So, is Simons the Celtics’ next breakout star — or just the next name shuffled in a long line of aggressive, win-now maneuvers?
Let’s break down the factors in play.
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### **The Trade That Landed Simons in Boston**
The **Jrue Holiday trade** stunned the Celtics community. Just months after helping lead Boston to an NBA Championship, the veteran guard — known for his defensive prowess and clutch presence — was sent to Portland in a cost-cutting move prompted by **second apron concerns** under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement.
In return, the Celtics received a package headlined by **Anfernee Simons**, a 25-year-old guard averaging **21.6 points per game** last season, alongside two second-round picks and salary filler.
For Portland, it was about flipping Holiday for draft capital and reloading their youth-centric roster. For Boston, the move was about **clearing financial room** while trying to maintain some semblance of offensive firepower. But not everyone in Boston is convinced Simons is part of the long-term plan.
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### **Simons’ Game: A Fit or a Flaw in Boston’s System?**
Simons is **one of the most electric young scorers in the league**. His quick first step, deep range, and shot creation make him an offensive weapon — but his **defensive shortcomings and ball-dominant style** raise questions about his fit on a team that already features **Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porziņģis**.
Boston’s offense relies heavily on **ball movement, spacing, and switching defense** — all areas where Simons still needs development. While he’s improved as a playmaker and off-ball threat, he’s still a **score-first guard** in a lineup that already has **no shortage of offensive weapons**.
“He can get you 20 points on any given night,” one Eastern Conference scout said, “but the Celtics don’t need that from another guard. What they need is defense, maturity, and postseason poise — things Simons hasn’t proven consistently.”
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### **The Celtics’ Current Depth Chart: Too Many Guards?**
With Simons now technically on the roster, the Celtics’ backcourt is starting to look **overcrowded**, especially after **re-signing Derrick White** to a four-year, \$125 million deal.
Here’s a look at Boston’s projected guard/wing depth:
* **Derrick White** – Starting PG
* **Jaylen Brown** – Starting SG
* **Anfernee Simons** – Combo guard/6th man (TBD)
* **Payton Pritchard** – Backup PG
* **Jaden Springer** – Defensive specialist
* **Jordan Walsh** – Developmental wing
Simons may be slotted as a **sixth man** — a high-scoring role off the bench in the mold of **Jordan Clarkson** or **Tyler Herro** — but that’s a hefty price tag and usage for someone who may not see crunch-time minutes in a playoff setting.
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### **Boston’s “All-In” Mentality: No One Is Untouchable**
Following their 2024 championship, Celtics President of Basketball Operations **Brad Stevens** made it clear: Boston is **not coasting**. Their goal is **sustained contention**, and that means **every piece, outside of Tatum and Brown, is potentially movable** if it increases their chances to repeat.
“We’re not going to get sentimental,” one team insider said. “We love what our guys did last year, but it’s about next year. Every move is about maximizing our window while it’s open.”
That window — while wide — is expensive. Tatum’s supermax kicks in next season. Brown’s \$300 million extension is already active. Porziņģis and White are both on long-term deals. Adding Simons’ \$25 million salary further tightens the cap, leaving little room for flexibility — unless he becomes part of a bigger move.
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### **Potential Trade Scenarios: Who’s Calling?**
According to multiple league sources, the Celtics have already **fielded exploratory calls** about Simons’ availability. Several teams view him as a high-upside asset, particularly franchises looking for a scoring boost and long-term building block.
Potential destinations being whispered:
#### **1. Chicago Bulls**
* **Why it makes sense:** The Bulls may be ready to offload **Zach LaVine** or **DeMar DeRozan**, and Simons could be a younger, cheaper scoring option to pair with **Coby White** and **Patrick Williams**.
* **Possible deal:** Simons and picks for DeRozan (sign-and-trade) or as part of a larger three-team package involving LaVine.
#### **2. Utah Jazz**
* **Why it makes sense:** Utah is asset-rich, in need of guard scoring, and has the cap flexibility to absorb Simons.
* **Possible deal:** Simons for a package including **Walker Kessler**, **Kelly Olynyk**, or picks.
#### **3. Brooklyn Nets**
* **Why it makes sense:** Brooklyn is in search of offensive creation after moving Mikal Bridges. Simons could help bridge to their next era.
* **Possible deal:** Simons for **Cam Johnson** and future draft picks.
#### **4. Charlotte Hornets**
* **Why it makes sense:** The Hornets are rebuilding around **LaMelo Ball** and **Brandon Miller** and could use a dynamic scoring guard with experience.
* **Possible deal:** Simons and picks for **Nick Richards** and a protected first-rounder.
A source close to the Celtics suggested a **three-team deal could be in the works**, involving **Boston, a cap-space team, and a contender looking to flip veterans**. In this scenario, Boston could walk away with a more playoff-ready veteran and even draft capital in exchange for Simons.
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### **What Would It Take to Keep Simons in Boston?**
Despite the swirling rumors, it’s worth noting that Simons isn’t without value to the Celtics — **if** they choose to keep him.
He would provide:
* Instant offense off the bench
* Insurance in case of injuries to White or Brown
* A bridge option for the future if Boston ever pivots
But for Simons to truly thrive in Boston, he’ll need to:
* **Improve defensively** to earn minutes in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation
* **Adapt to off-ball movement and limited touches**
* **Accept a potentially reduced role** compared to his Portland days
Whether he’s willing — or able — to make that transition is the key unknown.
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### **Simons’ Perspective: In Limbo Again?**
For Anfernee Simons, this is familiar territory. Drafted 24th overall in 2018 by Portland, he spent the first half of his career in **Damian Lillard’s shadow**, eventually blossoming into a 20+ PPG scorer only once Lillard was traded.
Now, just as he’s coming into his own, he’s been dealt again — and **may soon be moved for the second time in a single offseason**.
“He wants a home,” a source close to Simons said. “He’s worked his tail off to get here. The uncertainty is tough.”
While Simons has not publicly commented on the trade, his cryptic tweet shortly after the deal — “Stay solid through it all 💯” — suggests he’s aware of the chatter.
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### **Conclusion: Anfernee Simons — The Missing Piece or the Next Domino?**
As it stands, **Anfernee Simons is a Celtic in name only**. His fate will likely be determined over the coming days, depending on what offers materialize, how Boston’s front office assesses its remaining needs, and how Simons fits into a championship-ready machine.
He has the talent. He has the contract. What he doesn’t have — yet — is a guarantee of opportunity in Boston.
**Will Simons become Boston’s sixth-man sparkplug, or just another chip in Brad Stevens’ strategic war chest?** Either way, the league is watching closely — because the Celtics, as always, are playing chess while others are still setting up the board.
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**TL;DR:**
* Anfernee Simons was traded to Boston in the Jrue Holiday deal but may not stay long.
* Boston is still shopping him, looking for a better win-now fit.
* Multiple teams (Bulls, Jazz, Nets) have shown interest.
* Simons’ defensive fit in Boston is questionable, but he offers scoring upside.
* He could be flipped again soon as Boston reshapes its roster around contention.
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