Celtics Open to Trade Talks for Anfernee Simons Ahead of Deadline

The Boston Celtics are reportedly keeping the door open for trade discussions surrounding guard Anfernee Simons, as noted by NBA insider Jake Fischer from The Stein Line. This comes after the Celtics acquired Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the deal that sent veteran guard Jrue Holiday to Portland.

Simons is entering the final year of his contract with a salary of $27.7 million, and the Celtics appear inclined to explore potential trades involving him leading up to the upcoming trade deadline on February 5, 2026. Fischer mentions that this strategy may remain a focal point for the franchise throughout the season.

Last season, the 26-year-old Simons showcased his scoring capabilities with an average of 19.3 points per game, along with contributions of 2.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists across 70 appearances for the Blazers. He demonstrated impressive shooting efficiency, connecting on 42.6% of his field-goal attempts, 36.3% from three-point range, and a remarkable 90.2% from the free-throw line. These stats underline his ability to be a significant offensive presence, making him a valuable asset for any team.

However, the Celtics have faced challenges recently, including a tough second-round exit in the 2025 playoffs against the New York Knicks. The series loss was compounded by the unfortunate injury to star forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 4 and is expected to miss the entire upcoming season. This injury has undoubtedly shifted the Celtics’ approach as they reassess their roster and future prospects.

Boston’s president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, has been busy this offseason, actively reshaping the team’s roster. The inclusion of Simons in the trade landscape highlights the Celtics’ intent to adapt and strengthen their squad, especially with Tatum sidelined. While Simons did not have a formal introductory press conference with the team, his arrival in Boston was met with optimism regarding his potential contributions.

As the Celtics navigate this transitional period, the interest in Simons could lead to various outcomes. Should they decide to move him, it may open up opportunities for the team to acquire other key players who can help maintain competitive momentum during Tatum’s recovery. Conversely, keeping Simons could bolster the Celtics’ backcourt depth and provide essential scoring, especially in the absence of their star player.

As reported by hoopswire.com, the coming months will be crucial for the Celtics as they weigh their options and determine the best path forward, balancing the immediate needs of the team with long-term goals.