Will Anfernee Simons be rerouted after being sent to Boston this summer?
Celtics insider provides insight into Anfernee Simons trade rumors originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Boston Celtics are entering uncharted territory with the 2025-26 season fast approaching, and they may not be done retooling their roster after Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles.
With Tatum at risk of missing the entire season due to the Achilles injury he sustained in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Celtics faced tough choices this summer. Amid looming financial constraints, the team traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks and Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Boston’s roster will look much different than it did the past two seasons come opening night, with the team also set to feature Anfernee Simons, who was acquired in the Holiday trade to Portland. Rumors swirled all offseason that Simons would eventually be rerouted to shed salary, and his future with the Celtics remains up in the air while on an expiring contract.
MORE: Celtics insider floats bold Payton Pritchard move for 2025-26
Anfernee Simons could remain in Boston
Following their cost-cutting maneuvers this offseason, the Celtics are under the second-apron threshold and could get under the first apron by trading Simons. However, Celtics insider Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe believes Simons could stick around and may be a key contributor.
“The fact that Simons is still in Boston and his expiring contract is now with some other club is an indication the Celtics plan to implement him in what will be a fascinating season,” he wrote. “Jayson Tatum is rehabilitating from his torn Achilles and won’t be available for months, and the team will not allow him to rush back.”
While Simons is likely to begin the season in Boston, he could still be traded before the deadline and may be given time to raise his value on a Celtics team that is missing its top option. If the team is hopeful Tatum might return for the postseason, Simons could help the team stay afloat in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Still, the Celtics don’t appear to be a contending team this season and may eventually prioritize increased minutes for Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman and even rookie Hugo Gonzalez in the backcourt. If that's the case, trading Simons will certainly free up playing time and could get the team under the first apron.
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