The Boston Celtics traded for Anfernee Simons this offseason, but his first season opener with the franchise will be his last. They are already shopping his expiring contract in hopes of dodging the luxury and resetting the repeater penalty. Simons is not exactly a Mazzulla player, and his stay with the Celtics will be brief.
Simons is adjusting to being the sixth man after starting for the Blazers for three-plus years. He finished with 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 32 minutes in the season-opening loss to the 76ers. The Celtics were outscored by five in his minutes in a one-point defeat. Not exactly the ideal start for a guard who averaged over 19 points per game last season.
Jayson Tatum is recovering from a torn Achilles, and Boston took the chance to shed payroll. They want to quickly vault back into contention next season. Simons' defensive struggles likely force the Celtics to move on before Tatum returns.
Anfernee Simons will be off the Celtics before the start of the 2026-27 season
Boston has already tried to trade his $27.6 million expiring contract, but hasn’t found a taker. Spending is tight in the second apron era, and no team is eager to take on a massive salary. The Celtics will try to dump him again before the deadline, but they may be forced to let him walk in free agency.
The 26-year-old wing will find a new home. He averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 32.7 minutes per game last season for Portland. The Blazers were outscored by 5.0 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, which has given contenders pause in acquiring the bucket-getter.
The Celtics were happy to dump the three years and $104.4 million remaining on Jrue Holiday’s contract on Portland in the Simons trade. They thought they would quickly move on Simons to save even more, but it hasn’t been possible.
The Celtics are not re-signing the 6’3 to a long-term deal. This is his lone season in Boston. They hope he plays well enough to attract interest before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. If not, Simons will be bought out or allowed to walk in free agency. This is not a long-term pairing, as evidenced by him coming off the bench and playing a lesser offensive role with Tatum out.
The Boston Celtics have several more moves to make if they want to return to title contention next season. Brad Stevens has been masterful at building their roster and has a few more tricks up his sleeve. He hopes to get something for Anfernee Simons, but that will just be a stepping stone. Stay tuned because the roster overhaul is just beginning in Beantown.