Nov 1, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Murphy-Imagn Images

'They’re Not in a Hurry to Make a Move' – Boston Celtics’ New Guard Could Likely Stay With the Team in the Meantime, Per Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 10:20 AM ET

The Boston Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons and his expiring contract as part of their cost-cutting measures this summer. However, many feel that the 18-time NBA champions will look to deal away Simons to create more financial flexibility.

According to an anonymous general manager, the Boston Celtics are “not in a hurry” to trade Simons, who will make roughly $27 million next season in the final year of his contract.

“You never know, but the team they have now is probably the team they’ll start the year with,” the exec told Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports. “They could get themselves involved in some blockbuster. But they’re not in a hurry to make that move (on Simons).”

Portland Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija's Epic Triple-Double Draws 6-Word Reaction From Former Defensive Player of the Month Winner 4 Mar 23, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

“He is going to a team with a different coaching staff, a different front office, a whole different system of teaching. Sometimes a situation changes, and the light bulb goes on for a guy. That could be the case with him (Simons). He is still a young guy, and if he is willing to learn, he could come out a better player. So you wait to trade him to see if that happens,” he added.

Boston Celtics News: Insider dishes on the team’s frontcourt depth next season

The Boston Celtics’ frontcourt depth is severely compromised following the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet , and Al Horford. According to MassLive’s Brian Robb, the team may look to Neemias Queta to be their starting center out of necessity, barring new moves.

Oct 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) dunks the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

“Neemias Queta feels like the frontrunner at center given the continuity and the fact someone needs to rebound on this team. Elsewhere, pencil in Sam Hauser or Georges Niang in the fifth spot with Josh Minott being a potential wildcard. Will be an interesting battle in training camp to see how exactly Joe Mazzulla wants to play with this group,” Robb explained in his mailbag article.

The Portuguese international averaged 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds on 65.0 percent shooting in 13.9 minutes per game across 62 regular season appearances for the Boston Celtics in 2024-25.