As training camp creeps closer, the odds of Anfernee Simons starting the season with the Boston Celtics increase. However, if that changes or he gets rerouted after the upcoming campaign gets underway, the franchise can look internally for the blueprint to follow.
Between trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks and later rerouting the return for him, Georges Niang, to the Utah Jazz, Boston effectively shed the former's $30.7 million contract without taking on any money.
Accomplishing that cost second-round draft capital. However, at a time when gaining flexibility is a priority, it was worth the price.
Now, the Celtics are $7.8 million under the second apron, per Spotrac. They are $4 million over the first apron. They're $12.1 million above the luxury tax and have shrunk their tax bill to an estimated $39.5 million.
Fans might not celebrate that. However, under this still relatively new and more punitive collective bargaining agreement, there wasn't much choice. Seeing a team stay over the second apron three straight years may never happen. Doing so in a projected gap year while Jayson Tatum rehabs a torn Achilles would be malpractice.
The sacrifices made this summer and during the upcoming campaign are aimed at aiding Boston's pursuit of future championships. That's the north star that guides the organization.
It's also why one would understand if Simons doesn't end the season with the Celtics.
Replicating the Porzingis blueprint with Anfernee Simons
As previously noted, Boston has multiple options at its disposal as the franchise figures out what to do with Simons.
If the Celtics trade him, there are rumors of the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets showing interest. Perhaps the Chicago Bulls, who traded Lonzo Ball this offseason, are another potential suitor.
One example of what a deal with the latter could look like is swapping Simons for Zach Collins and a low salary, like Dalen Terry. The former is on an expiring $18 million deal. The latter is also in the last year of his contract. Terry is on the books for $5.3 million.
From there, the goal could be to find a new home for Collins. If no worthwhile trade materializes, Boston could buy him out. Maybe Terry goes too. As in the aftermath of rerouting Niang, Simons' $27.7 million contract will have come off the books without absorbing any salary.
Even if that specific iteration of a trade isn't an option, it highlights a path the Celtics can follow to adhere to their goal of gaining flexibility. Of course, receiving a player who excites the fan base creates more immediate gratification.
And if Boston is content with how much payroll it has already trimmed, perhaps Simons stays. A successful trial run could lead to Simons re-signing in the offseason, becoming a part of the Celtics' long-term plans.