The Boston Celtics may not be finished retooling their roster this summer, with reports suggesting that Anfernee Simons might be flipped before the 2025-26 campaign.
The Celtics acquired Simons for Jrue Holiday in a swap with the Portland Trail Blazers, though the 26-year-old could be rerouted before ever suiting up in Celtics green.
Alan Goldsher of SI.com recently discussed another one-for-one swap involving Simons, which would send him to the Chicago Bulls for two-time All-Star big man Nikola Vucevic.
“In Vucevic, the Celtics get a proven, productive player on an expiring deal who checks all the boxes — veteran presence, legit starter, no need to re-sign for huge money — while the Bulls land a gunner who squeezes neatly into their current and (theoretically) future run-and-gun style,” he wrote.
MORE: Mock trade sends Anfernee Simons to Orlando as Celtics target frontcourt help
Vucevic has long been involved in trade rumors, and he would fill a clear need in Boston’s frontcourt. With Kristaps Porzingis traded and Al Horford likely to leave in free agency, the team’s current center rotation consists of Luka Garza, Neemias Queta, and Xavier Tillman. Adding Vucevic would give Boston a reliable interior presence who could help the Celtics stay relevant.
The Bulls aren’t expected to make significant noise next season, and trading for a young, proven scorer like Simons would give them another offensive option alongside Coby White.
If the Celtics intend to move him, Simons is likely to draw interest on the trade market. Addressing a position of need will likely be a priority for Boston in any potential deal.
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