New Report on Celtics’ Anfernee Simons Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 10:19 PM ET

The Boston Celtics managed to get under the NBA's second tax apron by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in separate deals. In the Holiday deal, they saved some money while acquiring a quality guard in Anfernee Simons.

Simons is not the player Holiday is, but he is a player capable of scoring 20 points on any given night. Over the last four seasons, the former Portland Trail Blazers guard has averaged 17.3 points or more. He's also averaged as many as 22.6 points per game, his scoring average for the 2023-24 season.

The Celtics saved money while acquiring Simons and got a complementary electric scorer to put next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown when they're at full strength. Simons' contract will also expire in 2026, opening up even more cap space next offseason.

However, it's not guaranteed that Simons will be on the Celtics' opening night roster. Heavy's Steve Bulpett reported that Boston might trade Simons away, though it would be on one condition.

“If you’re doing a story about (Anfernee) Simons’ fit with the Celtics, you’d better be quick about it to cover yourself,” an NBA executive told Bulpett while laughing. “Boston’s still out there talking trade, and he could be gone if the right move comes along.”

So just how does Anfernee Simons fit with the Celtics' rotation? ... And with the C's still open to trades, could that be a moot question?

Also: what's Luke Kornet looking at in the free agent market?

We talk to NBA people for the answers.https://t.co/otYTHWEUYC
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) June 26, 2025

Simons is owed almost $27.7 million for the 2025-26 season. While the Celtics got under the NBA's second tax apron partly because of this trade, they are barely below it. To ensure they won't cross it again, Simons could be traded for someone who makes less than he does.

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

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