The Boston Celtics have been actively retooling their roster this offseason — and more changes could be on the way.
Boston traded two key contributors from its 2024 NBA championship team in June: Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Holiday was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons. However, the club may now look to move Simons, who is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn $27.7 million next season.
Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints recently compiled a mock trade that would send the 26-year-old guard to the Orlando Magic in exchange for help in the frontcourt.
Here’s Bassett’s proposed trade:
Celtics receive: Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze, Tristan da Silva
Magic receive: Anfernee Simons
The Celtics currently have limited depth at center after trading Porzingis, and they’re expected to lose Al Horford to unrestricted free agency this summer. That leaves Luka Garza, Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman as their options at center.
MORE: Celtics could target reunion with former No. 6 overall pick if bought out
Acquiring Isaac and Bitadze would give the club two more alternatives in the frontcourt. However, the Magic might be hesitant to make this move while Moritz Wagner recovers from a torn ACL, as he may not be ready by Opening Night.
While Simons could offer more of a scoring punch off the bench than Tyus Jones and Anthony Black, the team already has plenty of backcourt options. Still, Orlando appears to be entering the 2025-26 campaign with a win-now mindset.
Trading for Simons might reduce opportunities for the team’s younger players like Black, Jett Howard and Jase Richardson. However, if the trade leads to a deep playoff run, the move could be worth it for Orlando.
MORE NBA NEWS:
- Blockbuster mock trade sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to Atlanta
- Bucks land multiple assets, potential star in Giannis Antetokounmpo mock trade
- Mavericks assistant coach praises No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg
- NBA writer believes Mavericks will face competition from Nuggets for Lakers' LeBron James
- Superstar turns to Kevin Durant for advice after Achilles injury