Celtics Named Favorites to Land Damian Lillard After Anfernee Simons Trade Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 4:24 PM ET

The Boston Celtics officially acquired Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday in exchange for Jrue Holiday. Even though he is on the team, it may not remain that way before Opening Night.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed on "The Hoop Collective " that he's heard Boston is still trying to find a new home for Simons, saying, "I have talked to other teams who have said they are actively trying to trade Anfernee Simons. Whether they can or not is another [thing]."

Simons' contract will expire next season, but he is still owed over $27 million for the 2025-26 season. If the Celtics have the chance, they will trade him to another team if the trade itself helps them save money.

With Simons still available, it's also been established that the Celtics are interested in Simons' former Trail Blazers teammate, Damian Lillard. ClutchPoint's Brett Siegel revealed that though Lillard will take his time making his decision, he believes the Celtics will be his next team for the time being.

"I don’t think it’s going to be anytime soon," Siegel wrote. "I think if I had to rank teams, I’d have Boston at the top right now, but that could change. A lot of teams interested in Dame. He’s focused on rehab and family right now. No rush to make a decision anytime soon."

I don’t think it’s going to be anytime soon.

I think if I had to rank teams, I’d have Boston at the top right now, but that could change.

A lot of teams interested in Dame. He’s focused on rehab and family right now. No rush to make a decision anytime soon. https://t.co/8EELwOETq5
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 10, 2025

Lillard is expected to miss the 2025-26 season because of a torn Achilles. If Boston signs him, he could do his Achilles rehab with Jayson Tatum, who suffered the same injury not too long after he did.

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

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