The Boston Celtics have been holding a virtual fire sale this week.
After losing six-time All-Star power forward Jayson Tatum to an Achilles tear during Game 4 of an eventual six-game semifinal series defeat to the New York Knicks, it became clear that the 2024 champs under new owner William Chisholm could be looking to make some changes to its roster.
Boston had faced an historic payroll expected to be in the range of $500 million in salaries and luxury tax penalties.
Now, the Celtics have managed to dip under the NBA's second tax apron by offloading the contracts of former All-Stars Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in separate deals, both of which netted Boston future draft equity.
The best new incoming Boston player in either deal, ex-Portland Trail Blazers combo guard Anfernee Simons, had apparently been unsatisfied with his prior gig for a while.
Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe reports that Simons had previously hoped to be dealt away to another Eastern Conference contender even ahead of Portland's ill-fated 36-46 run in 2024-25.
"What’s more, Simons actually requested a trade before last season according to a Blazers source, seeking a return to his native Orlando," Washburn writes. "The Blazers didn’t oblige, Simons played out last season but was hoping for a change of scenery this summer."
Now, he's got it, joining a talented Boston club that still will include four-time All-Star wing Jaylen Brown and two-time All-Defensive Team guard Derrick White.
Simons, still just 26, is on an expiring $27.7 million deal for next season, and could ultimately become a trade chip at the deadline.
For now, the 6-foot-3 pro is a splashy scorer, although he's a massive defensive downgrade from Holiday on the perimeter. In 70 healthy contests, Simons averaged 19.3 points on .426/.363/.902 shooting splits, 4.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds a night.