How Celtics Star Would Fit on the Nuggets Amid Trade Rumors

Despite already putting together one of the best rosters in the NBA, built around three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets could still be searching for more.

On Sunday, the Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers were rumored to have interest in Boston Celtics star guard Anfernee Simons.

"The 76ers and Nuggets are among the teams that have expressed interest in a possible trade for Celtics guard Anfernee Simons, NBA sources told Hoops Wire," Sam Amico wrote.

This is far from a guarantee that the Nuggets have a legitimate interest in a trade for Simons, but the idea is interesting. The Celtics acquired Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason in a trade that sent Jrue Holiday away, and the 2024 champions have made it no secret that they have been looking to re-route Simons ever since.

Would Simons fit in Denver?

Simons, 26, spent the first seven years of his NBA career in Portland after the franchise drafted him 24th overall in 2018. Simons did not breakout until his fourth year in the league, and has been a star-caliber offensive talent since.

Over the last four seasons, 19.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 43.6% from the field, 38.1% from three-point range, and 90.1% from the charity stripe. Simons has one year left on his contract worth $27.7 million, making a potential trade between Boston and Denver difficult, but he would be a sneakily good addition for the champion-hopeful Nuggets.

Simons is an offensive-minded guard, and if he were on a cheaper contract, he would be an ideal sixth man for Denver. Of course, in a starting backcourt alongside Jamal Murray, Simons would not be ideal, but his talent could be useful on a championship contender.

As it stands, Simons would be a questionable scheme fit in Denver, mainly because of his defensive struggles, but it never hurts for a team like the Nuggets to have a player who can score the ball like he can.

If the Nuggets are legitimately interested, he could be a name to monitor in free agency next offseason, but it seems unlikely that the franchise would trade for him.