Mock Trade Has Nets Landing Celtics' $100 Million Guard to Upgrade Backcourt

They also acquired Michael Porter Jr. from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Cameron Johnson while also adding Kobe Bufkin, Haywood Highsmith and Terance Mann in other trades this summer.

With these moves, the Nets are looking to take another step forward this season as they try to become a contender in the Eastern Conference once again.

Nets Could Target Anfernee Simons

Despite this, the Nets may also look to make moves to add more talent and draft capital to their roster ahead of the trade deadline and one player they could target is Anfernee Simons.

For Simons, he could be on the move once again as the Boston Celtics are open to moving him despite acquiring him earlier this summer in the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Mock Trade Lands Nets Anfernee Simons From Celtics

In a potential trade, the Nets could send Mann, Day’Ron Sharpe and draft capital to the Celtics in exchange for Simons.

While moving on from Mann and Sharpe could be a difficult decision for the Nets, adding Simons to their roster would upgrade their backcourt.

By adding Simons to their backcourt alongside Thomas, the Nets would create a solid young backcourt duo who are both lethal scorers.

Last season, the 26-year-old guard averaged 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 42.6% from the field and 36.3% from three.

Simons is a great scorer and he has also improved his playmaking skills which could cause the Nets the use him as their starting point guard alongside Thomas.

If that is not the case, the young guard would likely come off the bench, though he could end up being a replacement for Thomas if he leaves in free agency next offseason.

Either way, adding Simons to their roster would be a major boost to Brooklyn’s backcourt, though they could also hold off on making this deal since they selected four guards in the first round of the 2025 draft.