The Boston Celtics are defying expectations. While the season is still young, they're showing they can compete with anybody. Joe Mazzulla's club has registered seven wins against teams with a .500 record or better. That's tied for the second-most in the NBA.
Boston has done so with balance. The Celtics boast the fourth-highest offensive rating. At the other end of the floor, they're allowing 111.2 points per game, the third-fewest in the league.
On the court, all is well for a team that's 12-9, sitting sixth in the East. They enter Thursday's tilt against the Washington Wizards just two games behind the New York Knicks, who are in third. In the front office, Brad Stevens and Co. have a massive decision to make.
The Celtics are coming to a fork in the road
What will the C's do with Anfernee Simons?
Two compelling options, residing at opposite ends of the spectrum, have emerged.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have begun discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks about his future with the franchise. From this vantage point, it appears like a soft launch, allowing the fan base to brace for his departure.
While trading for Antetokounmpo is unlikely, given the price Boston would have to pay, especially if that meant parting with Jaylen Brown, there's still a chance for the organization to get involved.
The Celtics could help facilitate a deal that sends the two-time league MVP to a new home. They could reroute Simons to an interested suitor, shedding salary in the process.
The other option is far more aggressive. The Los Angeles Clippers are floundering. At 6-16, they have the third-worst record in the Western Conference. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the player generating the most trade interest on their roster is Ivica Zubac.
"There have been mixed signals around the league from teams that have contacted the Clippers about Zubac, and if they are actually willing to discuss his name in trade talks, but the early indication is that Los Angeles would demand at least two first-round picks, sources said," reported Siegel.
If Boston's willing to meet that request, they could package those picks with Simons, a player the Clippers have previously shown interest in acquiring.
"Another key piece of information making the Celtics an interesting trade partner for the Clippers is that they have Anfernee Simons, a young guard Los Angeles has expressed interest in previously while he was with the Portland Trail Blazers, sources said," stated Siegel. "Simons is in the final year of his contract, and if the Clippers can get a few draft picks from the Celtics for Zubac, that could be an intriguing scenario for them to discuss."
Zubac is under contract for $18.1 million for the current campaign, $19.6 million next season, and $21 million for 2027-28.
The former All-Defensive team selection is averaging 16.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in the current campaign. While Neemias Queta has impressed, Zubac is an upgrade that can be the starting center on a title team. Furthermore, he's 28, signaling he could fill that role for years to come.
Either avenue is tempting, and choosing to gain more flexibility could prove the prudent path to building a sustainable championship contender. However, the chance to acquire Zubac this season, while still shedding some salary in the process, would position the Celtics to re-enter the title picture when Jayson Tatum is ready to resume his role in leading that pursuit.