The Boston Celtics continue to reshape their roster this offseason, and one of their newest acquisitions may already be on the move. According to Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico, both the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets have expressed interest in a possible trade for guard Anfernee Simons.
Simons, 26, was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this summer as part of the deal that sent Jrue Holiday out of Boston. While he hasn’t even played for the Celtics yet, league sources suggest Boston is open to moving him again, with financial benefit driving the discussion.
The Celtics’ situation is no secret. After failing to defend their 2024 championship and watching Jayson Tatum suffer a devastating Achilles injury that could sideline him for most of next season, the team has shifted priorities.
With payroll and luxury tax penalties projected to soar past $500 million, Boston has already shed significant salary. Kristaps Porzingis was traded to Atlanta, Jrue Holiday was moved to Portland, and veterans like Al Horford and Georges Niang are gone.
If they manage to move Simons, it could help bring their tax bill down by nearly $300 million, a staggering figure that ownership appears determined to cut.
Reports indicate that Payton Pritchard is expected to start at point guard, leaving Simons in a sixth-man role if he stays. But for Boston, the financial motivation to move him may outweigh the basketball fit.
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the teams monitoring the situation closely. After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign derailed by injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George, the Sixers are searching for another offensive option. Simons fits the bill.
A three-level scorer and creator, Simons averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds last season in Portland, shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three.
The Denver Nuggets are also reportedly interested, but they have limited resources.
The former champions already made a blockbuster move by sending Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn in exchange for forward Cam Johnson. They are now exploring backcourt depth behind Jamal Murray and Christian Braun.
Adding Simons would give Denver a proven scorer to stabilize their second unit and take pressure off Murray. But with salary constraints already pressing against the Nuggets’ flexibility, making the math work could be challenging.
For now, Boston has leverage, they don’t have to move Simons. But with ownership committed to slashing payroll, and with multiple contenders circling, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Anfernee Simons’ stay in Boston ends before it ever truly begins.
