The Boston Celtics have had a relatively underwhelming offseason. With the second apron looming, the Celtics have had to make some tough decisions, leading to key players such as Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday being moved.
The Holiday trade allowed Boston to acquire a talented young guard in Anfernee Simons. But due to the current state of their cap, the franchise is likely to move him to shed more salary.
With Simons being a central figure in any trade talks, the Celtics are expected to address their immediate needs in the frontcourt. After the departures of Porzingis and Horford, Boston has continued their search for a suitable replacement.
In this regard, a recent rumor suggested that the Celtics could show an interest in Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton, with a straight-up swap appearing to be mutually beneficial.
With this in mind, let’s explore a potential trade package that would allow Boston to acquire the athletic big man from Brooklyn.
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Nic Claxton, 2027 second-round pick (LAL)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Anfernee Simons
This trade package has the potential to benefit both teams involved.
When considering the salaries of the two players being moved, Claxton’s cap hit of $25.3 million is lower than Simons’, who is owed $27.7 million next season. This would successfully allow the Celtics to shed salary, while also acquiring a key draft asset in the form of a 2027 second-round pick.
While known primarily as a rim protector, Claxton’s offensive versatility remains relatively unexplored. His wide wingspan and tremendous athletic ability are key factors in helping him stand his ground against bigger players.
On offense, he possesses great instincts as a rim-runner. In addition to this, he has shown the potential to develop a reliable three-point shot as well. This could be something Boston could consider cultivating this season.
Claxton’s acquisition could be immense for Boston, who are currently expected to start Neemias Queta at center next season.
With an average of 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, Claxton could be a solid center in Boston’s starting lineup. Even if he doesn’t become a starter, he would still add significant depth to their depleted rotation.
Claxton also has three years left on his contract. Boston could benefit from developing the 26-year-old now so his talents align with the team’s resurgence once Jayson Tatum returns from injury.
On the other side, Brooklyn acquires a gifted guard in Anfernee Simons.
Simons is a gifted player. At only 26 years old, the guard has displayed a lot of versatility on the offensive front, with his athleticism and long-range shooting being the most noteworthy aspects of his game.
After appearing in 70 games last season, the guard recorded an average of 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 42.6% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range.
His preference for a fast-paced, high-octane offense may be ideal for Brooklyn’s system, especially next to an offensive-minded player like Michael Porter Jr.
The acquisition of the 26-year-old also gives the Nets more leverage in facilitating discussions with Cam Thomas.
Simons, while being a reliable scorer, is also a comparatively better playmaker than Thomas. Given the ongoing contract negotiations with their restricted free agent, the Nets could make Thomas dispensable by adding Simons.
Simons is also on an expiring contract, something the Nets may view favorably. If they enjoy the guard’s production, he could become a part of their plans. Otherwise, they can simply create more cap space by allowing him to walk next season.
Simons’ Future Is Uncertain
Anfernee Simons’ offseason trade saga has seen no resolution as of yet. While teams like the Bucks, the Pistons, and the Bulls have been presented as trade destinations, there has been no news of an actual deal going through.
This puts the young guard and the Celtics in a precarious position. When considering that Boston’s need to shed salary is a bigger priority, the franchise will be invested in its efforts to facilitate a trade.
But the longer the wait, the less value they’ll get in return. The result may be counterproductive for the 26-year-old’s development if he ends up joining a weaker team.
