Celtics Facing Issue After Trade With Trail Blazers

Celtics Facing Issue After Trade With Trail Blazers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Boston Celtics have had one of the NBA’s busiest offseasons, executing a series of cost-cutting moves in a bid to shed salaries. Following a disappointing end to the 2024-25 season, the front office dealt veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and draft assets. Center Kristaps Porzingis was also traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade that brought in Georges Niang.

Niang’s stay in Boston was brief, as he was eventually moved to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr. and a draft pick.

Despite the flurry of activities, the Celtics are reportedly not done making moves and have attempted to ship one of its newly acquired players. However, a new report reveals all efforts are proving abortive.

Celtics Finding It Difficult to Trade Anfernee Simons

According to Grant Afseth of FastbreakJournal.com, the Celtics have explored multiple trade scenarios for Simons but have yet to find a partner, and there is no certainty Simons will start the season in Boston.

“Sources told FastbreakJournal.com that Boston entered the offseason focused on shedding salary and had struggled to find a trade partner for Anfernee Simons’ contract since acquiring him in the Jrue Holiday trade. Simons remains a trade candidate to monitor,” Afseth wrote.

[Afseth] Sources told FastbreakJournal.com that Boston entered the offseason focused on shedding salary and had struggled to find a trade partner for Anfernee Simons’ contract since acquiring him in the Jrue Holiday trade.
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While the Celtics found it much easier to trade Niang, they have continued to encounter some difficulty in shipping away Simmons. Niang, who is on an expiring $8.2 million deal, was sent to Utah, which used part of its $26.6 million trade exception from the John Collins trade to absorb his salary. The deal reduced Boston’s projected luxury tax bill from $73.1 million to $30.4 million, placing the team $10.2 million under the second apron and $1.7 million above the first.

Potential Trade Destinations for Anfernee Simons

Anfernee Simons posted solid numbers in the 2024-25 season, averaging 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds across 70 games, and could be an efficient scoring and playmaking option on a contending or rebuilding team.

Given his output, there are a number of franchises that could fancy a trade. One option that could make sense is the Brooklyn Nets, a team that possesses multiple future first-round picks and could use Simons’ scoring to accelerate a rebuild. Another scenario could involve a potential exchange with the Houston Rockets for backcourt help, while the Orlando Magic may also view Simons as a helpful shotmaker. These teams could leverage Simons’ contract and offensive upside to supplement emerging cores, offering Boston talent or assets in return.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are entering a transitional phase—effectively in rebuild mode—as they brace for a season without superstar forward Jayson Tatum, who is set to miss the majority of next season to injury.

Related: Celtics Facing Trade Decision After $290 Million Move

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.