The San Antonio Spurs are at a crossroads. With De’Aaron Fox’s max extension now in the books and Victor Wembanyama’s inevitable max deal looming, the franchise faces mounting pressure to manage its salary cap wisely. The spotlight has turned to Devin Vassell, whose $27 million average annual contract over the next four years is starting to raise eyebrows. While Vassell has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistent performance last season has sparked debate about his long-term fit with the Spurs. Could a bold trade with the Boston Celtics, centered around Anfernee Simons, be the solution San Antonio needs?
The Spurs aren’t in a hurry to offload Vassell, but they’d be wise to consider their options before his contract becomes a financial anchor. At his peak, Vassell is a dynamic two-way guard, capable of lighting up the scoreboard with 38.7% three-point shooting on 7.0 attempts per game, as he did in the 2022-23 season. However, last year’s inconsistent play exposed vulnerabilities, raising concerns that his $27 million salary could become a liability if he doesn’t regain his form.
Enter Anfernee Simons, a high-volume sharpshooter whose expiring contract makes him an intriguing trade target. A potential deal could see the Spurs send Vassell, along with Atlanta’s 2027 first-round pick and Boston’s 2028 pick swap, to the Celtics in exchange for Simons. While this package might seem steep, the trade could offer San Antonio the flexibility and firepower they need to build around Fox and Wembanyama.
Simons is a proven offensive weapon, averaging 19.9 points and 4.5 assists over the last four seasons while shooting an impressive 38.1% from three on 8.5 attempts per game. His ability to stretch the floor would address one of San Antonio’s glaring weaknesses: outside shooting. Pairing Simons with Fox, Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, and Wembanyama would create a dynamic lineup capable of spacing the floor and maximizing Wembanyama’s dominance in the paint.
Unlike Vassell, whose contract locks the Spurs into long-term financial commitments, Simons’ expiring deal offers flexibility. San Antonio could let him walk after the season or flip him in another trade, avoiding the risk of being tied to a potentially toxic contract. For a team building around two max-deal stars, this kind of cap relief is invaluable.
From the Celtics’ perspective, the trade makes sense as a way to shed salary while acquiring assets. Taking on Vassell’s contract would require significant incentive, but receiving Atlanta’s 2027 first-round pick and regaining control of their own 2028 pick swap could tip the scales. Additionally, Vassell’s reunion with former Spur Derrick White could bolster Boston’s backcourt depth, giving them a versatile two-way player who, at his best, rivals Simons’ production.
Simons isn’t just a rental; he’s a near-perfect stopgap for the Spurs’ current needs. His elite shooting would complement Fox’s playmaking and Wembanyama’s interior presence, creating a balanced attack. While Vassell’s two-way potential is tantalizing, his inconsistency last season casts doubt on whether he can justify his hefty contract. Simons, on the other hand, has proven he can deliver as one of the NBA’s premier high-volume shooters, making him a safer bet for a team looking to contend in the short term while preserving long-term flexibility.
This trade could be a rare win-win. For San Antonio, Simons provides the shooting and cap flexibility they need to build a contender around Fox and Wembanyama. For Boston, Vassell offers a high-upside player who could thrive alongside White, while the additional picks bolster their future draft capital. If the Spurs act before the trade deadline, they could turn a potential salary cap headache into a strategic masterstroke, positioning themselves for success in the post-Vassell era.