Sources: Sixers, Nuggets show interest in Celtics’ 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.

Simons was acquired from the Trail Blazers earlier this offseason as part of a deal for veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Boston has reportedly explored flipping Simons elsewhere.

That said, it appears the Celtics have had no luck and aren’t opposed to the idea of keeping Simons. They are facing an uphill climb after losing Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis (traded to the Hawks) and Al Horford (free agency), with their main priority being to shed salary.

Six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum is also expected to miss most or all of the season.

Meanwhile, the Sixers are looking to bounce back from a lost year after injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George. You could make a strong case for them as the league’s biggest flop in 2024-25.

The Nuggets have already made one big trade this summer, acquiring forward Cam Johnson from the Nets for forward Michael Porter Jr. They are said to be looking for backcourt help behind starters Jamal Murray and Christian Braun — but given their salary constraints, it would take a minor miracle to pull off another deal.

Sources said the Bucks could be another team that will make a run at Simons before training camp.

Simons, 26, is 6-foot-3 and averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 36.3 percent on 3-pointers in 70 games last season. He also buried 90.2 percent of his free throws.

Before the trade to Boston, he had spent each of his seven NBA seasons in Portland.