In a move that could reshape the Western Conference landscape, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly finalizing a blockbuster trade to acquire Anfernee Simons, the dynamic 26-year-old scoring guard from the Boston Celtics. In exchange, the Warriors are sending sharpshooter Buddy Hield and rising 3-and-D wing Moses Moody to Boston, a deal that aims to bolster the Warriors’ backcourt while providing the Celtics with defensive grit and long-range shooting.
Warriors’ Need for a Scoring Punch
The Warriors’ reliance on Stephen Curry, the four-time NBA champion and 2022 Finals MVP, was laid bare during the 2024-25 season. A hamstring injury sidelined Curry for four of Golden State’s five Western Conference Semi-Finals games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, exposing the team’s lack of a reliable secondary scoring option. The Warriors’ offense, once a juggernaut, became predictable without Curry’s gravity, prompting general manager Mike Dunleavy to pursue a bold solution in the 2025 offseason.
Enter Anfernee Simons, a $100 million superstar whose scoring prowess and playmaking ability could alleviate the pressure on Curry as he enters his 17th NBA season. Simons, acquired by the Celtics in a trade that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland, has reportedly been on the trade block, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noting on his podcast, Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, that Boston is “actively trying to trade” the versatile guard.
The Trade Breakdown
The proposed deal would see Simons, who averaged 19.2 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 36.3% from three on 8.5 attempts per game in 2024-25 with Portland, join the Warriors. In return, Boston would receive Buddy Hield, one of the NBA’s premier three-point shooters, and Moses Moody, a young wing with defensive upside and developing offensive skills.
For Golden State, Simons represents the first true dynamic scoring guard since Jordan Poole’s departure in 2023. His silky handle, explosive athleticism, and unlimited shooting range make him an ideal fit alongside Curry in Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy offense. Paired with Draymond Green’s playmaking and Jimmy Butler’s two-way tenacity, Simons could elevate the Warriors’ attack to championship contention.
Boston, meanwhile, would gain two players who align with their defensive identity and perimeter shooting needs. Hield, a career 40% three-point shooter, provides elite floor-spacing, while Moody’s 6-foot-5 frame and defensive instincts add depth to the Celtics’ wing rotation.
Simons’ Fit in Golden State
At 26, Simons brings youth and upside to a Warriors roster that has leaned heavily on its veteran core. His ability to create his own shot, whether off the dribble or from deep, complements Curry’s off-ball movement and Green’s facilitation. In 70 games with Portland last season, Simons showcased his scoring versatility, averaging 19.2 points on 43.1% field goal shooting and 36.3% from three. His 4.8 assists per game also highlight his ability to run an offense, a critical skill for a Warriors team needing backcourt stability when Curry rests.
However, Simons’ defensive limitations are a concern. His career -2.1 defensive box plus-minus and 120 defensive rating per 100 possessions indicate struggles on that end. Still, Kerr’s system, anchored by Green’s defensive genius and Butler’s versatility, could mask these weaknesses, allowing Simons to focus on his offensive strengths.
Why Boston Might Say Yes
The Celtics, fresh off acquiring Simons in a trade for Holiday, are reportedly open to moving him again to refine their roster. Hield’s elite shooting (40.0% from three on 7.6 attempts per game in 2024-25) would seamlessly replace Simons’ perimeter production, while Moody’s defensive potential offers a long-term investment at the wing. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, Boston’s system thrives on two-way players, making Moody and Hield appealing pieces.
A Gamble Worth Taking?
For the Warriors, landing Simons is a high-risk, high-reward move. His $25.9 million annual salary (part of a four-year, $100 million deal) fits within Golden State’s financial framework, but his defensive shortcomings could strain their system. However, the potential for a Curry-Simons backcourt, with Green and Butler anchoring the defense, is tantalizing. If Simons adapts to Kerr’s system and improves defensively, this trade could propel the Warriors back to the NBA’s elite.
For Boston, trading Simons for Hield and Moody aligns with their championship blueprint: suffocating defense and consistent shooting. The deal may hinge on Boston’s confidence in Moody’s development and Hield’s ability to maintain his sharpshooting in a new system.
What’s Next?
As the 2025 offseason heats up, all eyes will be on Dunleavy and the Warriors’ front office to finalize this deal. If successful, Simons’ arrival could mark a new era for Golden State, giving Curry the running mate he needs to chase a fifth championship. For Boston, the trade would reinforce their identity as a defensive powerhouse with no shortage of firepower.
The NBA trade market just got a lot more interesting.