The Boston Celtics have reportedly explored the possibility of trading for Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons, but according to league sources, no deal appears close to materializing. Discussions have taken place as the Celtics continue to evaluate ways to strengthen their roster following a championship run, but the conversations are described as preliminary rather than advanced.
Simons, 25, has long been viewed as one of Portland’s key building blocks, especially in the wake of Damian Lillard’s departure. His scoring ability and perimeter shooting make him a highly valuable asset, particularly for a team like Boston that thrives on floor spacing and offensive versatility. Last season, Simons averaged over 20 points per game while shooting efficiently from beyond the arc, cementing himself as a proven bucket-getter who could immediately bolster the Celtics’ second unit or even slot in as a complementary starter alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
However, acquiring Simons would not come cheap. The Trail Blazers are in the midst of a youth-driven rebuild centered on Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and they are not eager to part with Simons without a significant return. Boston, meanwhile, already invested heavily in its core with extensions for Brown and Tatum, as well as key commitments to Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Balancing the salary cap while adding Simons’ contract, which carries an average annual value of nearly $25 million, presents another complication.
From Boston’s perspective, the talks are more exploratory, reflecting Brad Stevens’ ongoing diligence in keeping the Celtics flexible and prepared for opportunities that may arise throughout the season. The team already boasts one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, and while Simons would be a dynamic addition, there is no sense of urgency to shake up a formula that delivered success last year. Instead, the front office appears willing to let the current group continue building chemistry while monitoring the market.
For now, the discussions around Simons are best viewed as part of the Celtics’ long-term roster planning rather than a move that will happen imminently. Unless Portland dramatically changes its stance or a third team enters negotiations, Boston is expected to remain patient. Still, the fact that the Celtics are keeping tabs on Simons underscores their intent to maintain flexibility and stay aggressive in pursuit of opportunities to maximize their championship window.
Would you like me to also include potential trade frameworks being floated around, like which Celtics players might realistically be part of such talks?
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