Celtics reportedly considering surprising move

The Boston Celtics may be getting off the Anfernee Simons ship before it even sets sail next season.

The Celtics acquired Simons as the centerpiece of the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this week. With Jayson Tatum potentially out for the entirety of next season, many fans pegged Simons to take on some of the scoring load for Boston.

However, Simons may still be on the trading block. According to a report from The Athletic’s Jay King, the Celtics have “explored the idea of flipping” Simons in exchange for more cap relief. Simons and newly acquired Celtics forward Georges Niang are both considered movable “before they ever play a game for Boston.”

The Celtics’ openness to trade Simons reportedly comes from the team’s desire to keep both Al Horford and Luke Kornet. The veteran big men are set to become free agents next week. Reports have indicated that

Boston is said to be much more interested in keeping Sam Hauser over Simons. Hauser is on a team-friendly four-year, $45 million contract and provides elite shooting from the wings.

On the other hand, Simons is playing on a $27.7 million expiring contract that would likely entice several teams around the league. A potential suitor could get an up-close look at Simons, who has turned into a potent scorer since he first entered the league in 2018. The 26-year-old averaged around 20 points per game in each of his last three seasons.

If Simons doesn’t perform well for the Celtics or a potential trade partner, the team could cut its losses and let Simons walk in free agency next offseason.