BOSTON — The Boston Celtics were expected to slide this year. Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear created an opening to reset a roster strained by a massive tax bill. Many across the league viewed this season as a gap year and believed Boston would simply manage the schedule while absorbing the financial consequences of its previous title push. Yet Joe Mazzulla’s group has refused to fade. The Celtics have fought their way to a 9–8 record and remain relevant in a volatile Eastern Conference. Their competitive identity mirrors their head coach’s approach: intense, adaptive, and unbothered by external expectations.
Celtics Trade Buzz: Anfernee Simons Move On The Horizon?
The front office made several moves last summer to duck the second apron. Those changes cut salary but did not eliminate Boston’s tax burden. The team still sits about $12 million above the luxury tax threshold. In this context, the question has resurfaced: will the organization pursue another major move to reshape the roster and drop below the tax? The noise keeps growing, and it’s starting to feel like the Celtics moving Anfernee Simons might still be on the table.
The Financial Pressure Behind Boston’s Calculus
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype offered clarity on the team’s mindset. He reported, “The Celtics are under no pressure to reduce their current luxury tax bill, which they’ve budgeted for, but wouldn’t mind going below the tax for the right deal.” That stance outlines a practical, opportunistic posture. Boston will not chase savings at the cost of weakening the roster, but it will listen if the math and the basketball align.
Getting under the tax remains feasible. Executives around the league believe the Celtics could reach that threshold by trading Anfernee Simons or moving Sam Hauser and an additional minimum contract. Simons earns $27.68 million in the final year of his deal. Hauser begins a new four-year, $45 million extension this season. Anfernee Simons’ and Sam Hauser’s situations shapes much of the Celtics trade block speculation.
Simons has been productive in a limited role. He averages 14.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds while shooting above 41 percent off the bench. Hauser’s season has gone in the opposite direction. He has posted career-lows with 6.6 points per game, 33 percent shooting from the field, and 34 percent from deep. Mazzulla has adjusted his rotation frequently, and neither player has secured a consistent role.
Boston’s Reluctance and the Market Around Simons
Despite the obvious financial incentive, Boston remains cautious. Scotto noted, “With that in mind, Boston hasn’t shown a willingness to attach a first-round pick to trade Simons’ expiring contract.” That hesitation is significant. Simons’ salary makes him valuable in a tax-driven approach, but his talent holds enough weight that Boston will not pay a premium simply to move him. That has already proven to be a stumbling block in earlier trade discussions with the Brooklyn Nets.
What?
Yes, Scotto revealed that Brooklyn and Celtics explored multiple trade frameworks involving Anfernee Simons this past summer. None materialized. Milwaukee also registered interest, signaling league-wide demand for a scoring guard at that salary slot.
Boston has even cast a wider net. The team attempted to lure Day’Ron Sharpe on a veteran minimum contract with the promise of a starting role. Sharpe’s rebounding, rim protection, and contract value fit Boston’s needs well. Those talks stalled, but the outreach signals how aggressively the Celtics are evaluating frontcourt help.
What Comes Next for Boston?
The Celtics could revisit negotiations later in the season if the right combination of contributors becomes available. Players like Sharpe, Ziaire Williams, or Haywood Highsmith could make Celtics trading away Anfernee Simons more appealing for both sides Boston will explore deals that balance cost control with playoff-ready versatility. Getting two or three immediate rotation members will reward the efforts of Mazzulla to keep them over .500. This move puts them in a position to bounce back from Tatum’s gap year with athletic contributors as well as whatever prospect they select in next summer’s draft. It’s important to note that these moves can’t take place until January 15th when most restrictions will come off across the league.
The franchise has stayed competitive despite injuries, rotation uncertainties, and financial pressure. The next move may determine whether this team can climb the East standings or simply hold on. But with this much activity around Simons, one question lingers: is Boston’s next flamethrower move closer than anyone expects?
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