In a proposed three-team trade scenario imagined by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz could each address major offseason needs while reshaping the trajectory of their rosters.
With the Celtics eyeing cap relief and a future big man, the Heat searching for offensive punch, and the Jazz ready to retool, this deal could offer the rare outcome where all three franchises walk away satisfied.
Here’s the full trade as envisioned:
Boston Celtics Receive: Walker Kessler (via Jazz), $27.7 million trade exception (Anfernee Simons)
Utah Jazz Receive: Terry Rozier (via Heat), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (via Heat), Neemias Queta (via Celtics), 2026 protected first-rounder (via Celtics), 2026 second-rounder (via Celtics), 2029 protected first-round swap (via Heat), $5.5 million (via Celtics)
$4.9 million trade exception (Walker Kessler)
Miami Heat Receive: Anfernee Simons (via Celtics), John Tonje (via Jazz), $3.9 million trade exception (Jaime Jaquez)
The Celtics Get A Center For Years To Come
The Celtics are staring down a transitional year. With Jayson Tatum set to miss the entire 2025–26 season after tearing his Achilles, the team has pivoted from contention to cap management.
Shedding Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis earlier in the summer saved a huge chunk of salary, but more trimming is needed to escape the repeat tax penalty trap.
Enter Walker Kessler, a cost-controlled, defense-first center who averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game last season. Kessler would instantly become Boston’s starting big man with Al Horford expected to leave and Luke Kornet now on the Spurs. He’s also extension-eligible, which means Boston can lock in long-term value or let him hit restricted free agency.
Moving Anfernee Simons, who arrived in the Holiday deal, clears space and avoids a potential bidding war in 2026. Simons’ fit with Boston was always questionable, especially with Derrick White and Payton Pritchard already in the backcourt. Getting a $27.7 million trade exception in return also gives Boston flexibility to retool next summer.
In short, the Celtics downgrade talent slightly for now, but get younger, cheaper, and stay under the tax, setting themselves up for a bigger splash in 2026 when Tatum returns.
The Heat Get Another Explosive Scorer
Anfernee Simons to Miami might not be the most obvious move, especially after the team acquired Norman Powell. But in truth, Simons fits Erik Spoelstra’s evolving offense better than Powell long-term. While Powell is a proven sixth man entering the final year of his deal, Simons is a 26-year-old flamethrower with elite scoring chops and room to grow as a playmaker.
Simons averaged 21.3 points and 5.7 assists last season for Portland despite an injury-riddled campaign. He gives Miami a much-needed second scoring guard to pair with Tyler Herro, especially after Jimmy Butler’s departure. While Herro has been steady, he cannot carry the full offensive load. Simons adds a dynamic shot-creator who can play on or off the ball.
Losing Jaime Jaquez Jr., a rising talent with an old-school game, stings, but Simons is already further along and fills a more pressing need. Miami also parts with a future pick swap, but that’s a small price to pay for a prime scorer entering his athletic peak.
Plus, acquiring John Tonje on a minimum deal and creating a $3.9 million trade exception gives Miami even more roster flexibility moving forward. If Simons excels, they can offer an extension. If not, they maintain cap optionality in 2026.
The Jazz Get Assets For The Future
This is where the trade hinges. Utah gives up Kessler, a shot-blocking machine and fan favorite, but gains a load of assets in return. The Jazz are not close to contending and must decide if paying Kessler big money next summer is worth it. If the front office, led by Danny Ainge, sees a rebuild as the better path, now is the time to sell high.
Terry Rozier gives Utah an experienced guard who can either be flipped at the deadline or waived before opening night. His contract is only partially guaranteed, so they can absorb him through an existing exception without long-term cap impact.
More importantly, they land Jaime Jaquez Jr., a gritty two-way forward with untapped offensive potential, and Neemias Queta, a high-upside backup center. The Jazz also walk away with two 2026 draft picks and a potential first-round swap with Miami in 2029. That kind of asset collection aligns perfectly with Utah’s long-term vision.
Trading Kessler now before a potentially rough 2025–26 campaign ensures the Jazz maximize value. Holding him risks a decline in trade leverage if his production dips on a losing team.
This trade proposal is a well-calibrated risk for all sides. The Celtics gain a long-term center and save nearly $100 million. The Heat get a dynamic scorer who fits their evolving timeline. The Jazz cash out a valuable trade chip for picks, prospects, and flexibility.
None of these moves guarantees a championship. But in the context of each team’s current needs and direction, the pieces align just enough to make this mock deal feel plausible. The only question now: Who’s ready to pick up the phone first?
