By signing Josh Minott, the Boston Celtics just told the world that more trades are coming. The addition brought them back over the second apron, a line they have already seemingly committed to getting under this summer, meaning they will have to make more trades if they want to get back below it.
In the first 24 hours of free agency, they signed Minott and Luka Garza, putting them back in the same financial position they were when the offseason began (though they no longer have to clear $20 million). The big question is, what trades will the Celtics make in order to get back under the second apron?
Which players could be on the move?
Who will the Celtics trade next?
Before free agency opened up, Jay King of The Athletic reported that the Celtics were already considering trading Anfernee Simons in an attempt to make room to retain Luke Kornet (who has since left for the San Antonio Spurs) and Al Horford (who looks to be on his way out, too).
“Looking to continue shedding salary, the Celtics have explored the idea of flipping Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract, according to league sources,” King wrote. “In such a move, they would be aiming to accomplish two organizational directives Brad Stevens emphasized after the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday: regaining more roster flexibility and setting up a path to retain free agents Luke Kornet and Al Horford.”
Boston just traded for Simons in the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, getting back two second-round picks as well. Simons is slated to make $27.7 million next season.
However, with the current state of their cap sheet, he could be the next casualty out the door.
Georges Niang, who was also just acquired by the Celtics, could be another option. The Celtics brought him on board in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. He’ll make $8.2 million next year. Ditching his salary would help the Celtics with their financial goals.
The same could be said for Sam Hauser and his $10.0 million, plus he could help the Celtics get back actual value, too.
There’s also the option for the Celtics to trade one of Jaylen Brown or Derrick White, but that would mean seismic changes to their roster, which seems relatively unlikely now that the draft has come and gone.
Regardless, signing Minott made one thing clear: The Celtics are going to make more trades this summer.