According to a recent report from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets discussed multiple trade proposals that would reroute Anfernee Simons to the latter franchise.
"Over the summer, the Brooklyn Nets and Celtics discussed several trade scenarios involving Simons that ultimately fell through," reported Scotto. "The Milwaukee Bucks also kept tabs on Simons, HoopsHype has learned."
Scotto also shared that Boston expressed interest in signing Day'Ron Sharpe in free agency. However, the franchise was limited to offering him the veteran minimum, though he would've had a chance to compete for the starting center job.
Had the Celtics shed money while finding a new home for Simons, perhaps they could have persuaded Sharpe to depart the only team he has played for in his five years in the Association.
Perhaps, the two sides will find common ground on a trade swapping Simons and Sharpe before February's deadline. If they do, Boston must avoid absorbing a specific, unpalatable contract at all costs.
The Celtics must avoid Terance Mann's contract
Simons is starting to get more comfortable as he acclimates to the role of sixth man. Understandably, that wasn't a seamless transition after he spent the last two years as the primary offensive option for the Portland Trail Blazers. However, a change in mindset is helping him adapt.
"It's for sure an adjustment. The past couple years, when you started, and teams are guarding you aggressively from the jump. And so now, you've got to take your time and read the game and see how the best way you can attack it. So that was my thought process going into each and every game. And now everything is kind of flipped," acknowledged Simons after Boston's recent 138-129 victory vs. the Orlando Magic.
In Portland, Simons preferred to ease into the game. He'd diagnose how teams were guarding him, then become more aggressive in the second half. That's a luxury one doesn't have coming off the bench.
"Here, I don't have that much time to be able to ease into the game, and so, taking the opportunities that's there," stated the seven-year veteran. Just being myself, aggressive, and also making the right plays as well. So, I think simplifying that way, it's been easy for me the past couple games."
His ability to make an impact in his new role now includes contributing 18 points in perhaps Boston's gutsiest win this season, a 117-115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Still, the 26-year-old guard is on an expiring $27.7 million contract; if the Celtics don't see him as part of their long-term vision — or believe he's too expensive to retain — they could move him by the trade deadline.
If they do, acquiring Terance Mann would be a mistake. While his ties to the area, having grown up in Lowell, Massachusetts, may spark an increased appeal in seeing him play for the hometown team, his contract is one Boston should steer clear of.
Mann's a productive player and versatile perimeter defender. However, he's on the books for $15.5 million this season. More importantly, while Simons is on an expiring contract, the former has two years left at $15.5 and $16 million.
The salary and luxury tax relief that would come with acquiring Mann has a slight appeal. However, when the current campaign ends, and he's still on the books, that will fade.