The Boston Celtics have endured a whirlwind offseason, grappling with the fallout of a devastating injury to their cornerstone, Jayson Tatum. The six-time All-Star power forward suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the team’s second-round playoff clash with the New York Knicks, casting a shadow over the franchise’s immediate future. In response, team president Brad Stevens orchestrated a series of bold, cost-cutting moves to navigate the NBA’s punishing luxury tax landscape. But one question looms large: should the Celtics move on from their newly acquired, fan-favorite guard Anfernee Simons and his expiring $27 million contract?
Stevens didn’t shy away from shaking up the roster. He traded away two-time All-Star guard Jrue Holiday, a six-time All-Defensive Teamer, to the Portland Trail Blazers to land the dynamic scoring guard Simons. In another blockbuster deal, one-time All-Star center Kristaps Porzingis was sent to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade that brought stretch four Georges Niang and a second-round draft pick to Boston. However, Stevens quickly flipped Niang and both that pick and another second-rounder to the Utah Jazz for a trade exception and two-way player RJ Luis Jr. The Celtics also parted ways with point guard JD Davison and allowed free agent center Luke Kornet to walk, while veteran big man Al Horford’s future with the team remains uncertain.
To bolster the roster, Boston added free agents Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and Josh Minnott, all while carefully maneuvering to hover just above the NBA’s first luxury tax apron. These moves reflect Stevens’ calculated effort to balance financial flexibility with competitiveness, especially with Tatum sidelined for months as he rehabilitates.
Enter Anfernee Simons, the 26-year-old scoring dynamo whose expiring contract has sparked trade speculation. Yet, Boston Globe columnist Gary Washburn makes a compelling case for keeping Simons in green. “The fact that Simons is still in Boston and his expiring contract is not with some other club is an indication the Celtics plan to implement him in what will be a fascinating season,” Washburn writes. He argues that this season should serve as an audition for Simons, whose youth and scoring prowess could make him a cornerstone of Boston’s future—especially when Tatum returns to full strength.
Last season, Simons showcased his offensive gifts as Portland’s starting point guard, averaging 19.3 points on .426/.363/.902 shooting splits, alongside 4.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals across 70 games. While his defensive shortcomings are a concern, his ability to light up the scoreboard is undeniable. Washburn cautions against trading away a 20-point scorer in his prime, noting, “Moving on from a 20-point scorer who just turned 26 would not be astute management. And while there is a market for a player of Simons’s talents, the Celtics need to get value for their future deals.”
Stevens himself hinted at confidence in the current roster during a July statement, and Simons’ presence at pre-training-camp workouts suggests a clear role for him in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s plans. The question now is how Mazzulla will deploy the talented guard. Will Simons start alongside Derrick White in the backcourt, or could he thrive as a sixth man, potentially allowing Payton Pritchard to step into a starting role? Either way, Simons’ scoring punch could be a game-changer for a Celtics team navigating a transitional season.
As Boston braces for a challenging year without Tatum, the case for keeping Simons grows stronger. His youth, scoring ability, and potential for growth make him a valuable asset—not just for now, but for the Celtics’ long-term vision. Trading him might ease the team’s tax burden, but it could cost them a player capable of blossoming into a star. For now, Washburn’s advice rings true: ignore the trade buzz and let Simons prove he’s worth keeping in Boston.