Celtics’ Anfernee Simons Trade Decision Receives Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 3:26 PM ET

The Boston Celtics officially acquired Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday on Monday. Though Simons is not the same player as Holiday, he is an efficient scorer who has averaged between 17 and 22 points per game over the last four seasons.

When the Celtics made the trade official, Brad Stevens said the following about the new Celtic:

“Anfernee is a guy people out here probably don’t see as much because of the time that they play,” Stevens told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston. “But his ability to score, to shoot the ball, make really hard shots, is pretty elite. And you look, a guy that’s 26 years old and averaged 20 a game for three straight years."

Stevens added, “I think he’s a really good player, and I think he can get better."

Simons is also on an expiring contract, so the Celtics save plenty of money on their cap sheet. Even though the Celtics have officially acquired Simons and Stevens has spoken about him, that doesn't necessarily mean he will be on the team come opening night.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed on "The Hoop Collective" that the Celtics are still trying to re-route Simons elsewhere.

The Celtics are actively attempting to find a trade for Anfernee Simons, per @WindhorstESPN (https://t.co/i5qQm4Tpiz).

Simons, who was acquired from the Trail Blazers for Jrue Holiday, could net Boston some future assets.

Simons is on a $27.7 million expiring contract. pic.twitter.com/LugLuEIGzi
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 9, 2025

"I have talked to other teams who have said they are actively trying to trade Anfernee Simons," Windhorst said. "Whether they can or not is another [thing]."

Simons is owed almost $27.7 million for the 2025-26 season. Boston would likely move him if it meant saving even more money, like they did when they traded Holiday for him in the first place.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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