Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics face a tricky trade dilemma! It seems the team's recent success has thrown a wrench into their plans. Let's dive into the situation surrounding Anfernee Simons and the decisions facing the Celtics' front office.
Published: December 31, 2025
By Brian Robb
Trade rumors have swirled around Anfernee Simons ever since he joined the Celtics from the Blazers back in June. The buzz was understandable, considering his sizable expiring contract, valued at $27.5 million, and Boston's potential desire to ease their luxury tax burden. However, no enticing trade materialized over the summer, and Simons has become a consistent contributor off the bench for Boston.
Initially, his performance was somewhat overshadowed by other new additions to the Celtics roster during the first two months of the season. But, Tuesday's victory against the Jazz marked the culmination of a stellar month for the former Blazers guard. Simons delivered 20 points off the bench in 28 minutes, complemented by 5 rebounds and 4 assists. He also boasted a team-best plus/minus of +27 in the 129-119 win. This impressive plus/minus wasn't just a one-off; it's been a trend this month.
In fact, Simons currently ranks second in the NBA in plus/minus this month, with Boston outscoring opponents by a staggering 128 points when he's on the court. The team also achieved its best offensive rating, scoring 128 points per 100 possessions, when Simons was spreading the floor and creating opportunities. While there were many bright spots across the roster during this period, Simons proved to be a reliable offensive weapon off the bench on most nights.
With the Celtics looking like a legitimate Eastern Conference contender after a 9-3 December run, and the potential return of Jayson Tatum on the horizon, Brad Stevens has a fascinating decision to make regarding Simons. He's one of the few players on the roster with a significant salary that could be moved. Boston could certainly use more depth at the center position, both now and in the future. Simons' contract, along with additional assets, could be used to acquire a player at that position. Another option is simply moving Simons to reduce payroll and avoid a hefty repeater tax bill if Boston doesn't see themselves as a true championship contender this year.
But here's where it gets controversial... Subtracting from this successful team purely for financial reasons is becoming a harder sell, given their surprising performance in the first two months. Simons has played in every game this year, and the team is thriving with him on the floor, where he provides a potent scoring punch off the bench.
He won't fetch a huge return in a straight-up trade due to his salary. Trading him for a downgrade to the roster is a tough sell after performances like the one against the Jazz. Simons is also improving his fit alongside the Celtics' guards in late-game situations, and the on-court chemistry with this group is growing.
Stevens still has a few weeks to make a final decision. Boston might be able to find a suitable big man where moving Simons becomes necessary. However, the longer this team plays well with Simons on the floor, the more complex the decision will become for Boston's management.
What do you think? Should the Celtics prioritize financial flexibility or keep Simons and see how far they can go? Share your thoughts in the comments!
