Celtics eye potential trade for new player acquisition amid NBA buzz
The Boston Celtics are stirring the NBA waters yet again, with rumors swirling about a potential trade that could reshape the franchise’s short-term and long-term future. As the dust settles from a whirlwind offseason, the possibility of another major move has fans, analysts, and league insiders buzzing with speculation.
This summer, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has completely reworked the Celtics roster, a response to ownership’s push to slash costs after Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles rupture. Even though Tatum is reportedly ahead of schedule in recovery, the Celtics are bracing for an entire season—if not more—without their superstar, and the front office has fully embraced the idea of a “gap year.” The aim: stay competitive now, reset financially, then gun for another title run in 2026-27.
Big names have already been on the move. Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday are gone, while Luke Kornet and potentially Al Horford won’t be retained. Even newcomer Georges Niang didn’t stick around long, being traded to the Utah Jazz for RJ Luis in a deal that further trimmed Boston’s salary obligations. These moves successfully brought the Celtics’ payroll below the second apron, avoiding stiff penalties and setting up for future flexibility.
The question now is whether Stevens and the Celtics’ front office are eyeing ways to squeeze under the first apron, or even eliminate luxury tax liabilities altogether. That would likely require at least one more serious move, and chatter around the league has zeroed in on one name: Anfernee Simons.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, “The guy who the Celtics would like to trade is Anfernee Simons.” Simons, acquired just this offseason, is in the final year of his contract and is owed $26 million. With free agency looming in 2026, his price tag and expected salary demands make him a logical candidate for Boston’s cost-cutting plans.
But pulling off a Simons trade won’t be simple. Mannix reports, “When I’ve talked to other executives around the league, they’re telling me the Celtics are looking to deal Anfernee Simons, but the market for him is not that great. He’s a good scorer, but he’s a minus defensive player.” In seven NBA seasons with the Trail Blazers, Simons has averaged 15.0 points per game, flashing plenty of offensive firepower but struggling to prove his worth on the other end of the court.
“If the Celtics want to move off of Anfernee Simons, they’re gonna have to attach a draft pick to him. Now, maybe that means a couple of second-round picks. They certainly don’t want to attach a first,” Mannix adds. For a team committed to financial flexibility, attaching draft assets to a deal represents a tough pill to swallow.
For perspective, some insiders see value in hanging onto supporting pieces like Sam Hauser, who is owed $10 million next season but survived this flurry of trades. “The Celtics want Sam Hauser to be part of their future,” notes Mannix, signaling that Boston’s management is still devoted to maintaining a competitive core even as they watch the bottom line.
Across the league, reactions are mixed. Some view Boston’s current stance as savvy, prioritizing long-term contention and cap health over temporary gains. Others caution that too much focus on the future, especially if it costs Boston valuable assets like young players or picks, may undercut immediate competitiveness.
Fans eager to see how these moves will shake up the power dynamic in the NBA can check out broader team outlooks and predictions in articles like Phoenix Suns Western Power Rankings or catch up on the most and least hyped teams with Overrated and Underrated NBA Teams.
As the Celtics’ front office considers its next step amid mounting NBA drama, all eyes remain on Stevens and his willingness to make bold moves—particularly if it means parting with major salary pieces, assets, or even betting on rising talent for a stronger resurgence down the road. The ripple effects of the next deal, whether it happens soon or closer to the trade deadline, are sure to keep the league talking and the future of the Celtics intriguing.
Source: nesn.com